For those of you who are not from Texas you may have no idea what a fire ant really is. Let me quickly educate you. A fire ant is a tiny insect that I am convinced is spawned by Satan himself. First and foremost they are a constant battle in my yard. They destroy things, make life miserable, and HURT!! Their little bites sting and make you just about miserable. I have yet to find a good purpose for them. All they do is inflict turmoil and aggravate me. Have you ever wondered why God would create such a thing?
In my Bible reading this morning I read in Judges 3:4 where God explains why he left several nations alone who were Godless for the expressed purpose of causing trouble for the Israelites. "They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the Lord's commands, which he had given their forefathers through Moses". Just like the Fire Ant, these nations were left to test the true devotion of his people. Is it possible that God allows temptations and struggles in your life simply to see how truly willing you are to worship him?
It kind of reminds me of the couple who is fresh in love. They get that butterfly feeling in their stomach whenever they are around each other. They put their best foot forward and make sure their breath does not stink whenever they go out. This is understandable but I always look forward to seeing what they do when they have their first fight or figuring something that is truly annoying with that person the just "love". How will they react when that happens? Is their love strong enough to endure a hardship? Is their devotion strong enough to see through the annoyances? Is their commitment strong enough to face obstacles together?
Trials, persecution, and other struggles might just be there to strengthen your faith and test your true devotion to God. I visited with a friend lately who is going through some serious struggles and turmoil. I asked him about his marriage and how it was holding up to the strain. Amazingly, he told me that these trials have brought he and his Bride together in a more intimate way then they have been ever. Struggle was drawing them closer. When facing something hard or unexplainable one of two things will happen. It will either draw you closer to God or further from God.
Life is not perfect and it never will be. Our kids need to know that, and more importantly they need to see that. Sit down with your Students this week and tell them about a struggle, or a hard time you have gone through. Share with them the hand of God in all of that and how God used that hard time to draw you closer. Our Students need to see a devotion to God and each other when things are hard. It is the stuggle that brings us together and the hardship that tests our commitment to God.
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