CREATED TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST

Romans 8:29 ...
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. 

Ephesians 4:15 ...
"God wants us to grow up ... like Christ in everything." 

MY 3RD PURPOSE IN LIFE IS TO BE LIKE JESUS
Bible Word = "Sanctification - Discipleship"

Romans 8:28 (NIV) ...
"In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

THREE UNEXPECTED TOOLS

1.  Trouble gives us the opportunity to trust God

Romans 5:3-4  ...
"...troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope."

Mark 14:32-34 ...
"They came to a garden called Gethsemane and Jesus said to His disciples, 'Sit here while I pray.' ... Distress and anguish came over Him, and He said, "The sorrow in My heart is so great that it almost crushes Me." 

Mark 14:36 ...
"Father," He said, "everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from Me. Yet I want your will, not mine!"

* Keep a journal.
Numbers 33:2 ...
"At the Lord's direction, Moses kept a written record of their progress."

* Remember it won't last.
2 Corinthians 4:17
 "Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."

"These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times and the lavish celebration prepared for us."

2.  God uses our choices to reveal and form our character

Matthew 4:1  ...
"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil."

Philippians 4:8 ...
Keep focused on good thoughts "Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right."

3.  God uses trespasses to teach us to forgive

Matthew 27:39-44 ...
"People passing by shook their heads and hurled insults at Jesus ... and the elders made fun of Him... Even the bandits who had been crucified with Him insulted Him in the same way." 

Luke 23:34 ...
"Jesus said, 'Father, forgive these people, because they don't know what they are doing.'" 

* Remember God has forgiven me
Ephesians 4:32 ...
"Forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ." 

* Remember God is in control
Genesis 50:20 ...
"You meant to hurt me, but God turned your evil into good to save the lives of many people, which is being done." 

Romans 8:17 ...
"We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with Him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with Him." 

Philippians 2:5 ...
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."