Pasco, WA 2011: Even when we blow an engine and end up on the end of a tow rope, life in Christ is grand and rich. Lives unmarked by trouble lack flavor, depth, and appreciation, among other things.

Trent Ling’s preached message, “Not Struggling is Not a Goal” comes available upon the website today.  The message debunks the notion that life in Christ strolls down easy streets.  It also resets and better calibrates goals and expectations for those daring to follow Jesus.

“Nothing is more grand than struggling, failing, and yet being held fast by God’s faithful and merciful ways,” Trent insists.  “Once we let God open our hearts, minds, pores, and possibilities, we can really begin getting somewhere spiritually.  Until then, we tend to be afraid, rigid, mechanical, robotic, and lifeless.  May we not have to be all that, and may we find our true calling, character, and comfort from God and not from our supposed or pre-requisite greatness.”

As the message anticipates stumbling, falling, and enduring, may we embrace this new lifelong dynamic where grace and mercy pay the freight for the earnest and humble.

This message features the reading and preaching of the following Scriptures:

Matthew 17:1-5

John 16:6-7

Matthew 23:27-28

Proverbs 27:17

Psalm 71:18, 20

Instructions:  To download on a Mac, control-click the message link below and select a download option.  To download on a PC, right-click the link below and select a download option.  To hear the message outright, simply click the link below and you will be redirected to a listening page.

Podcast:  Not Struggling is Not a Goal (March 11, 2006; 56:19)

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