Heb 12:1-2 GW
Since we are surrounded by so many examples of faith, we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up. We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith. He saw the joy ahead of him, so he endured death on the cross and ignored the disgrace it brought him. Now he holds the honored position—the one next to God the Father on the heavenly throne.
As Pastor said during the Global Online Service, there will be challenges and trials but we must learn to endure them because our expectations will not be cut short and at the end there is unending Joy, Testimonies, Laughter, Hope and Glory. This means that for sure, we always win and our victory is always secured. Hallelujah!
It is similar to winning a race. You do not look at your opponents, you do not concern yourself with how low or high the spectators are cheering, neither do you disturb yourself with thoughts of how long the journey would be. In fact, you do not stay fallen on the ground peradventure you stumble or fall. No, you get back up and keep running, your eyes fixed on the finish line because you are assured of victory.
Assured? Someone just asked.
Yes, ASSURED!
Jeremiah 29:11 MSG gives us this assurance. It says in the Message version, I know what I am doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
See again? Expectations cannot be cut short. Amen!
An icing on the cake? 2 Corinthians 2:14 AMPC says- But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ’s victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere.
Understanding that this is our identity as believers would cause us to not only be joyful but full of strength as we stay FOCUSED. Thus, instead of being cast down by challenges we must just like Jesus, see the joy ahead of us and endure. We must constantly walk by faith and not sight. We must constantly remind ourselves of the future, we must constantly draw strength from the reality that our identity is VICTORIOUS! Glory to God.
So, this week and beyond, in the face of challenges or trials, rejoice, laugh and be conscious of your victorious reality because these trials and challenges are stepping stones to our greatness.
Hallelujah!
What have you learnt?
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