(2 Samuel 23:9-10 NIV) “Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim for battle. Then the men of Israel retreated, but he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead.”
If our lives are given to us by The Creator of all Life then who are we to give up when faced with opposition? All the work of God has purpose and I for one am excited to see what He has planned for my life. Yes there will be difficulties and trials and yes as long as I try to control my life I will fall short of God’s plan but if I will trust Him enough to give Him control then the possibilities are endless! I use to wonder what “giving my life as a living sacrifice” looked like but I know now it is simply knowing God by spending time with Him (because I want to), reading His Word on a daily basis, consistent prayer, and a heart filled with worship and thankfulness. A life that is lived this way is a life that is prepared to hear God speak, it is a life that is kept pliable and open to doing God’s will. This life is pleasing to the Father of Lights and if I do nothing more than please my Heavenly Father then in this life I have done enough.
(Hebrews 12:2-3 NIV) “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Don’t lose heart for the night is darkest just before dawn. Every morning brings with the sunshine new hope and the reminder of God’s love for His children. There is purpose in all that you face and when is all is said and done you will stand before God. Each battle you overcome here below will be a jewel in the crown above and on that day you will lay your crown at Jesus’ feet because the ultimate goal is not what you will receive but in knowing the Savior of all mankind, the real prize is in Him!
