We are most driven when the unnecessary has been stripped from us. I believe most fear this place but those who have been realize the value of it and allow it to propel them to do that which they would not have been able to do otherwise. Look at Job, Noah, Moses, Abraham, David, Ruth and all the Old Testament people God used to see if this is not true. Now look at Paul who was Saul, Peter, Luke, John and the ones who started the church, many were martyrs for Christ yet they did not back down, no instead they become more determined and so must we if we are to be followers of Christ.
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to be My disciple must follow Me, because My servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves Me.
(John 12:24-26 NLT)
The early church was scattered because of persecution but they could not be silenced, for what drove their spirit was stronger than what their flesh feared. Most Christians today have lost sight of the eternal and have surrounded themselves with things and people that make them feel good about who they are but a time is coming when the true followers of Christ will be called to let go of the temporary to gain the eternal. Those who have already done so without waiting for the trumpet to sound will be honored by God.
Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen's death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord.
(Acts 11:19-21 NLT)
One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he replied, "I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in His hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in His side." Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. "Peace be with you," He said. Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and look at My hands. Put your hand into the wound in My side. Don't be faithless any longer. Believe!" "My Lord and my God!" Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, "You believe because you have seen Me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing Me."
(John 20:24-29 NLT)
Jesus said, “You believe because you have seen Me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing Me.” What will it take to fully surrender to the Lord Jesus? Must we see Him face to face first or is the presence of His Holy Spirit enough? I pray that the Lord Jesus causes the church to rise to their feet so that we may serve His purpose now and not wait until he reveals Himself in physical form. How much greater the reunion will be for those who have been faithful and depended upon the leading of God’s Holy Spirit then those who had to be convinced.
Are you tired of losing battles? Look to Jesus and to Him alone. Discipline your mind so that it doesn’t wonder and train your eyes that they remain focused. In a world of multi-tasking Jesus calls us back to be single minded and whole hearted.
No comments:
Post a Comment