What Can We Learn From The Dissatisfaction Implanted In Our Hearts?

What Can We Learn From the Dissatisfaction Implanted in Our Hearts? Rom. 8:22-38

Illustration:Early in my career as a doctor I went to see a patient who was coming out of anesthesia. Far off church chimes sounded. "I must be in heaven," the woman murmured. Then she saw me. "No, I can’t be," she said. "There’s Dr. Campbell."

Lenore Campbell, M.D., in Medical Economics.

Illustration:A number of years ago researchers performed an experiment to see the effect hope has on those undergoing hardship. Two sets of laboratory rats were placed in separate tubs of water. The researchers left one set in the water and found that within an hour they had all drowned. The other rats were periodically lifted out of the water and then returned. When that happened, the second set of rats swam for over 24 hours. Why? Not because they were given a rest, but because they suddenly had hope!

Those animals somehow hoped that if they could stay afloat just a little longer, someone would reach down and rescue them. If hope holds such power for unthinking rodents, how much greater should is effect be on our lives.

Today in the Word, May, 1990, p. 34.

1. How would you answer the question, "What can we learn from the sense of dissatisfaction implanted in our hearts by God? Paul teaches us in this passage that our inward dissatisfaction is a God implanted urge for improvements. People complain because they want things to get better. Paul wrote, "For we know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." (Rom. 8:22,23)

All people have a God shaped vacuum in their soul that longs for fulfillment. Augustine wrote, "Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You Oh God." To think of oneself as perfectly wise, satisfied and content is a sign of self-deception. Every person longs for development. Christians groan inwardly as we long to be more complete in Christ.

God has given each of us a longing for solutions to our problems. The Lord has given each of us needs that can only be fulfilled in Christ. Life is a constant wrestling match within our hearts over the fact that we were made for God and nothing else will satisfy. When we cease to desire to progress we die. Let us look at several ways we can use our God given sense of dissatisfaction to grow in all aspects in Christ.

Illustration:Sir Alexander Mackenzie is a Canadian hero. An early fur trader and explorer, he accomplished a magnificent feat when he led an expedition across Canada from Fort Chippewyan on Lake Athabasca to the Pacific Ocean. His incredible journey was completed in 1793, 11 years before Lewis and Clark began their famous expedition to the west. Mackenzie’s earlier attempt in 1789, however, had been a major disappointment. His explorers had set out in an effort to find a water route to the Pacific. The valiant group followed a mighty river (now named the Mackenzie) with high hopes, paddling furiously amid great danger. Unfortunately, it didn’t empty into the Pacific, but into the Arctic Ocean. In his diary, Mackenzie called it the "River of Disappointment."

Daily Bread, July 1, 1990.

2. Paul urged people to find fulfillment of their needs, expectations and desires through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. When we feel discouraged the Spirit is able to encourage us with all the encouragements in Christ. (Phil. 2:1,2)

No doubt Paul would seek to sow faith where there was doubt, trust where there was envy, love where there was hatred, peace where there was quarreling, assurance where there was fear, resolution where there was conflict, contentment where there was jealousy, progress where there was stagnancy, healing where there was sickness, maturity where there was immaturity, unity where there was divisiveness, knowledge where there was confusion, trust where there was suspicion, power where there was weakness, grace where there was strife, direction where there was confusion, patience where there was impatience, authority where there was anarchy, wisdom where there was uncertainty, and purpose where there was meaninglessness. The best service you can render to anyone is to help them grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the word of God.

Ask the Lord to help you seek to bring people closer to Christ as He meets their needs with the Spirit’s intercessory help.

Illustration;The year was 1920. The scene was the examining board for selecting missionaries. Standing before the board was a young man named Oswald Smith. One dream dominated his heart. He wanted to be a missionary. Over and over again, he prayed, "Lord, I want to go as a missionary for you. Open a door of service for me." Now, at last, his prayer would be answered. When the examination was over, the board turned Oswald Smith down. He did not meet their qualifications. He failed the test. Oswald Smith had set his direction, but now life gave him a detour. What would he do? As Oswald Smith prayed, God planted another idea in his heart. If he could not go as a missionary, he would build a church which could send out missionaries. And that is what he did. Oswald Smith pastored The People’s Church in Toronto, Canada, which sent out more missionaries than any other church at that time. Oswald Smith brought God into the situation, and God transformed his detour into a main thoroughfare of service.