CBM Intern – Job-Like Faith
By CBM National intern, Jamie Carpenter –
As I reach the halfway point of the CBM National Internship, I stop and take a minute to reflect on everything that I have done and all the things my heavenly Father has taught me. I ask myself, “What is God going to teach me next?” I have faced many trials in these past six months and my flesh wants to get angry with God and ask “Why?” but, in my heart, I know that’s wrong. God is allowing me to go through difficult times so that I will run to Him. Who am I to ask the Creator of the universe, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, why something is happening to me? If not for Him, I would not be where I am today or even on this earth at all. I want to be humble towards God because it’s the least I can do. He did everything for me; He sent His Son to die for me. I cannot imagine how it makes Him feel when I question Him about such little things of this world because it is nothing to Him.
So many times Christians will blame God for their troubles and I do not want to be one of those people. I want to glorify Jesus Christ in all that I do and want others to see Him in me. Living in such a way that pleases God can be difficult in the world we live in today. It is so easy to turn around and blame Him for all the bad things, but why do we do that? Do we seriously think that our LOVING Father would do something that would make us turn from Him? If I am constantly asking Him “Why?” how is that being a good example for others? He allows things to happen so that we run to Him, not from Him. Part of living in this world is going through various trials and learning different lessons. Every aspect of life is a growing opportunity. I should be thankful for this life, not so ungrateful.
I love how He breaks us down and keeps us on our knees before Him. Learning new things may not always be fun but it is always worth it. I pray that I would continue to love Him and be a light for Him. He commands us to do so in His Word. James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” When He is allowing us to struggle He is bringing us closer to Him. I do not need to have answers all the time. I do not always need to know the reason for every little thing. He has already given me everything. He has given me eternal life. He’s already all I need.
“Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: ‘Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it?” Job 38:1-5
Edited by CBM National
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Gladys Premo
April 11, 2017 (6:24 pm)
Dear Jamie, this is Gladys Remaley Premo–You do not know me, but I grew up in the Southern Methodist Church, and my Dad was a pastor at Denham Springs SM Church! I knew your grammy and granddaddy and went to SMC with Lanny, Danny, Sandy and Linda. I flat out love your personal article for its candidness and sensitivity to the Lord Jesus Christ and the impact your testimony is meant to have on others. God bless you, Jamie. Keep shining for the Lord.
Hearts and Hands for Jesus.