I have a Monstera plant that is growing sideways so I bought a plant stake. I carefully lifted it up from its awkward position and tied it gently to the mossy post. Right now it looks like a crippled person trying to stand straight. It's not pretty right now, but with the proper training and help, it will be.

Believer, do you feel like you're in an awkward position? Something in your life is weighing you down, twisting you, your mind, your feelings until you feel like a hamstrung mess? There's so much in this old world that seeks to enslave us and make us grotesque. We are often wilfully disobedient. The world tempts and deceives.

Just as suffering will be in the life of all humanity, suffering will be in the life of every true believer. Problems will arise, crises will come, trouble will show up. Not to be a downer, but sometimes it's best to know the truth up front. The Christian's life is not a bed of roses. And at times we will become overwhelmed and perplexed.

Revelation 3:20: “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.”
None of us are perfect, none of us serve God perfectly. And God, in His wisdom and love, bends us to His grace and perfect standard. Painful things in our lives are needful. They are meant to help us grow, and to make us more like Christ. Believer, lean on your God and Father, and trust Him when it gets too tough to stand. Humble yourself under His hand and allow Him to bend and shape you. Rejoicing sounds difficult during duress and disappointment, but we can see it differently with the proper perspective.

Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” It is Christ at work for us and in us to make of us what God desires. The Day is coming when we'll stand straight. And tall. And perfect. Until then, be encouraged and soldier on.