Struggling for Sanctification

     I'm struggling lately. As I've struggled, I've gotten mad, bitter, angry, and cried. Then I cried out to God. Dr. Charles Stanley in his sermon today reminded his viewers that sometimes, "Before God can heal us, sometimes, He has to break us." He noted that this brokenness is often a result of our stubbornness. God wasn't able to reach us in subtle ways, so more dire measures were needed. God's greater goal in our struggles is the process of sanctification. He's growing us into the image of Christ.
     Dr. Stanley said, "Don't go get a drink or have a party" when the Holy Spirit is speaking to you, instead get on your knees and ask God for healing. He noted that refusing to accept God's changes, He wants to make in our lives, leads us to living unfulfilled lives. Sometimes the struggle is what refines us. Please watch his sermon. It caused tears to flow, but healing to start in me. Thank you Lord!
     Dr. Stanley's sermon, "A Journey to Wholeness," http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/this-week-on-tv
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.