“And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;” – Thessalonians 4:11 KJV

Most of us have had a formal education through to our late teens [Preschool, elementary, junior and high school]. Some have gone on to college, or technical schools, and perhaps graduate school.

But did you know that “school” is in session everyday of every year of our lives until the Trumpet Blast and we are caught up to meet Jesus in the air?

Life is a series of “classrooms” where we learn (hopefully) to Live The Quiet Life… The Life that literally in the Greek means: “to keep still, i.e. refrain from labor, meddlesomeness [given to meddling (to interest oneself in what is not one’s concern.

The Goal, from God’s perspective, is to conform us into the Image of His Son[Romans 8:29]. The word conformed means “jointly formed, i.e. similar.” Another translation into English is “fashioned like unto.”

So, we get the picture: The Goal is to be like JESUS

Now let’s look at the word “study” and its meaning: “to be fond of honor, i.e. emulous [ambitious or eager to emulate (strive to equal or excel)] (eager or earnest to do something).”

So, if we put all that together we see that the classrooms of life are there to teach us how to be more like Jesus….

Difficulties are not there to break us but to MAKE US.

Consider this:

How else will you know if God is good if there is no situation that presents itself to SHOW you He is good… To give Him an opportunity to SHOW you He is good?

Now there is a reason why I chose a child to depict this message… a child holding a bible…

I am reminded of a portion of scripture in Matthew…

2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:2-4 KJV

Greatness in the kingdom is not measured by how many “works” you do how big your church is…

It’s measured by the level of humility in which you live your life and submit… TO HIM.

The Beauty and Innocence of A Child…

Children have an amazing perception that we as adults do not have… it is an insight that we lose as we “grow up.”

When I look at Matthew 21:15- 16:

“15 But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant.

16 “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “ ‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?”

You want to grow in faith [trusting God unquestionably]? Learn, once again, how to be HIS Child.

“But how do I do that? It’s been so long I’ve forgotten!”

Let me share with you some very practical steps to get to that place:

1. DON’T FORGET WHOSE YOU ARE!!!!
2. Don’t Fear the SILENCE… Enjoy it!
3. DON’T LOOK BACK!!!
4. DON’T WORRY!!!!
5. Learn From mistakes and MOVE ON!
6. Meditate on HIS Goodness… Believe In His Goodness… LIVE Life OUT OF HIS Goodness!
7. REST… REST… REST!!!!!!!

It may not be easy at first… Like the first time you learned to ride a bike… You fell several times until you got your BALANCE… and were able to ride well…. And once you did, you never forgot!

It may not be easy but KEEP AT IT! There is tremendous reward for you if you do!

The things that appeared to you as impossible… Suddenly become: POSSIBLE!

ALL THINGS are yours [1 Corinthians 13:16-20]… You just can’t see it yet… But they are…

Start taking the little steps… and He will take care of the Big Ones…

Grace and Peace to You…