He's Building Your Immunity

Have you ever been exposed to something that initially repulsed you, but as you lingered it didn't seem so bad anymore? What happened in a very basic sense is, you built up an immunity to the very thing that was once disturbing. It's just like the process of  immunization, vaccination, or inoculation. In order to build resistance to something, you have to be injected with it first.

You see, when the human immune system is exposed to a disease once, it can develop the ability to quickly respond to a subsequent infection. Therefore, by exposing an individual to an infecting agent in a controlled way (i.e. vaccinations), their body will then be able to protect itself from infection later on in life.

Isn't that interesting?

Well, it works the same way in your walk with the Lord. He'll allow you to be exposed to some foreign situations that shock your system. Initially, you'll feel like your world has been turned upside down. You'll think you can't make it through. But that's where you have it wrong.

The struggle that you're enduring right now is not intended to break you down, rather, it's building up your immunity. You'll be able to fight better next time. You won't walk into the same traps. You won't fold under the pressure. You won't break when you're under attack... all because God allowed you to go through it the first time.

On the next occasion, you'll be stronger. Your immunity will be built up. The same people won't be able to get the best of you. The next time you encounter something similar, it won't even affect you the same way. You'll be tougher, smarter, stronger, more prepared, and much, much wiser!

Remember, the initial "shot" is always the hardest.

I recall taking all of my children to the pediatrician for their first immunizations. As a mom, it was so hard for me to stand by and watch the doctor stick them with the needle. I didn't want them to have to feel that pain. But I knew that once they got over the initial shock of it, their bodies would be fortified against disease and foreign substances. Their tiny immune systems were being built up, so they could ward off future infections.

Similarly, God derives no pleasure from seeing you hurt. On the contrary, He wants you to be completely happy and joyful. But He knows that the only way to make you stronger is to allow you to be exposed to hard things like:  The pain of betrayal, the sting of loss, the discomfort of struggle, and the frustration of failure.

Never has God intended any of these things to diminish or destroy you. He's simply strengthening you for your journey.

So, although you may not like the process, it's necessary for your progress. You'll grow from it by leaps and bounds. And once the pain subsides, you'll come back more powerful, bold, and secure than you've ever been in your life!

So don't be afraid of the pain. Don't shy away from the process. Instead, roll up your sleeve and take it like a woman. After all, it's only for your making!

Until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs