Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
This may come as a surprise to some, but God has a plan for each life and we are living our best life when we walk according to His plan. Trust me. He always has our best interest at heart in all He allows in the lives of every heir of mercy. Even in the hard. His desire is for us to be like Jesus Who was to be the firstborn among many brothers and He uses all of our life circumstances to accomplish this great goal. BTW, it matters how we live this one life we have been given and for which we are held accountable for to our Creator. We are not our own – contrary to what many may believe. We have been bought by the highest price and we are to honor God with our bodies as we are all held accountable to Him.
All too often, saints are sluggish in the works of God, much to the grief of our own souls. Experiences prove this to be true. We often go about our own little lives in our own little worlds rarely looking up for guidance and the blessing of His smile. We have thousands of reasons mostly due to our selfish ambitions, vain conceits, pride, laziness or whatever else we can throw in the mix or conjure up. We arise seeking to please self not God and His perfect plans for us. The irony is when we please God, we are the most pleased. One never out gives the Master. His ways are far superior to anything our measly minds can conjure up. Remember what Paul penned - quoting from Isaiah 64:4-5 (NIV) - in 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NIV): “However, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him’ -- but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.”
When we search His heart through His Word and apply what He says to our lives through His power – going forth in His strength – lives are changed, particularly our own. He tells us in Jeremiah 23:28-29 (NIV): “‘Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?’ declares the LORD. ‘Is not my word like fire,’ declares the LORD, ‘and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?’” Indeed, His Word can break hardened hearts into pieces. It was designed to do so in order that they may turn to Him.
“This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it--the LORD is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’” Jeremiah 33:2-3 (NIV)