Life Under Construction

Matthew 5:1b-3

“His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them. He said, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’”​

Hardship can make us want to quit building our lives on Jesus, but He promised He’d use some surprising things to build the lives of His followers. Seek Him in through His Word in Matthew 5:1-9 about what He may be using in your life.

None of us like pain, but those who follow Jesus are given a blueprint that will build blessing into our lives even through difficult times. The verses in this passage teach that God uses very unexpected building materials when He works in our lives. We can find comfort and hope in this. ~ What are some specific hard things listed in this passage? Are you experiencing any of these right now?

God sees poverty and mourning; He values meekness, mercy and purity. He desires righteousness and peacemaking. Some of these things are hard, painful or seemingly impossible. However, when we are “under construction” God’s way, He promises to use even these to bring blessing into the houses of our lives. ~ What do you think about Jesus’ promises in this passage? Which one stands out to you? Why?

God’s blueprint for our lives requires us to trust Him, especially when His plan includes tough times. “O Lord of hosts,” the psalmist wrote, “Blessed is the one who trusts in you” (Psalm 84:12). God’s Word promises, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). Romans says, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (8:28). ~ What work has God started in you? Do you trust Him to complete this, even when He uses unexpected or difficult building materials?

As we build our lives on the rock of Jesus, we can know that He is building our lives right alongside us. Scripture says, “It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). Even in the times that are extremely painful, He promises that He is still at work, our whole lives through. Let’s trust Him to use even the hard things in our lives today! ~ Let’s ask God to help us remember that He is at work in us through all things, even the unexpectedly difficult ones.

Happiness and hardship comes into all our lives, but when we are “under construction” with Jesus, He uses ALL things for His glory and our good! He will never waste anything when we let Him work in and through us. Let’s encourage one another about this!