Every Challenge is an Opportunity for Spiritual Growth. By Dr Chapman Chen

Over the past three months, I encountered a challenge in which someone actively accused me of something I did not do. It was directly related to veganism and indirectly related to theology. It all came to an end a few days ago. I’m sharing this not to revisit events, but to show how theology becomes practice when we’re tested. God has used this crisis to grant me an experiential grasp of a few essential spiritual truths, which are infinitely more important than the matter itself.

1. Every Crisis is a Golden Chance for Spiritual Upgrading

“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work, so that you may be more mature and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2-4). “Though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials, these have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith – of greater worth than gold – may result in praise, glory and honour” (1 Peter 1:6–7).   

2. In Love there’s No Fear

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18). No matter how the wicked abuse you, humiliate you, frame you, or attack you, have no fear.  "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me," (Ps. 23:4).

3. Recognise Your True Nature

Put down our false self, and recognize our true identity as God’s beloved child, eternally safe and loved. “The Kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21); “I and the Father are ONE” (John 10:30); “Ye are children of God” (Luke 20:36), confirms Jesus.

Do remember: The more you worry about a challenge, the more you obstruct your innate connection with God—and the harder it becomes to receive divine guidance and deliverance. For, as Jesus reminds us, all good and evil come “out of the abundance of the heart” (Luke 6:45).  

4. God’s Arrangement is Always the Best

I am grateful to God for sending me the right person, at the right time, in the right place to help me out. God’s arrangement is always the best. “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Prov. 19:21).

5. Trust and Surrender

Give everything to the Infinite God, knowing that all things are being arranged in Divine Order. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your way straight” (Prov. 3:5-6).

6. Let go and let God

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22). “I can of mine own self do nothing… the Father within me doeth the works” (John 5:30; 14:10).

7. Love your foes.No matter how unfairly they treat you, “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44), and “forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34), in the spirit of Jesus Christ. When the most innocent, pure, and holy person on earth could forgive those who crucified Him, we should have no difficulty forgiving those who whip us for “offences” such as saying Merry Christmas and distributing vegan theology pamphlets.

8. Continuous Self-Examination

Salvation is transformation achieved in every present moment by choosing Christly love over fear, God over ego, oneness over separation.

Examine every single thought, every single action, every single word of yours, moment by moment, to see if they align with divine love. Recognize any fear, hatred, jealousy, greed, anger, and confusion, observe them directly, honestly and compassionately, and let them go.

“Everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken” (Matt. 12:36-37).

“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18).

 “Love one another. As I have loved you…” (John 12:34-35).

9. Blessing in Disguise

The outcome of events may not be what you have prayed to God for, but they are always blessings in disguise when you place absolute faith in God.

Three years ago, my former landlord decided to renovate the apartment I was living in and forced me to move out within one week. Within two days, God sent someone to help me find a new flat, which is where I am living now, and another kind person to help me move house.

The place where I am living now has lower rent, is safer and quieter, and is far more convenient in terms of location than my previous home.

God’s grace is always so amazing and wonderful! #VeganChrist #Vegan God #VeganTheology

Full Text: https://www.vegantheology.net/post/every-challenge-is-an-opportunity-for-spiritual-growth-by-dr-chapman-chen