It could happen to me?

I'm concerned about me.

When my heart and mouth asked The Lord to make me his favorite living sacrifice...his favorite fragrant offering, it reminded me of what Christ went through. The Bible says it pleased God to BRUISE him!

I want to be a fragrant offering to God, which could involve him bruising, breaking, ruining me for the sake of his glory. To be at his disposal is the true desire of my heart, and it scares the daylights out of my mortal body at the same time!

How will I handle it if actual suffering and physical harm come to my life because of him? How good will I be at doing what I know should be done then - fixing my eyes on Jesus and considering him in the midst of the pain, rather than growing weary and losing heart or crumbling under the pressure?

When I am afraid, how well will I be able to trust in God?

I can hear the words of Job, " Though he slay me, yet will I trust him."

Really, Job? Wow.

I'm concerned about me.

And about all of us. 

How much mere discomfort - much less pain and agony - are we prepared to withstand if God allows it to come? Are we right now practicing the things that will make us ready and able to stand? Christians around the world are familiar with suffering for the faith. Do we have a guarantee that we will not be called by God to go and join them? Do we have a guarantee that unprecedented persecution cannot possibly come to U.S. soil?

I hope we begin learning to rely on him before life brings a huge test of our ability to do so. God help us!