Hebrews 11:5-6
By an act of faith, Enoch skipped
death completely. “They looked all over and couldn’t find him because
God had taken him.” We know on the basis of reliable testimony that
before he was taken “he pleased God.” It’s impossible to please God
apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must
believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to
those who seek him.
Scripture
quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002
by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs,
CO. All rights reserved.
When I was a child, the
Young Business Men’s Club (YBMC) held an Easter egg hunt each year in
our city park. Among what must have been thousands of dyed boiled eggs
were some “prize” eggs that could be redeemed for a baby chick – or a
live rabbit if you found a “gold” one! Little did my siblings and I know
that my mother had threatened those YBMC members within an inch of
their lives if any of us came home with a live animal! So we eagerly
picked up the colored eggs and hoped against hope that we would somehow
stumble onto one that could be redeemed for a prize…but we never found
one!
We firmly believed that it was possible for us to find the
prize egg. We knew that these bunnies and chicks existed…and we had
seen other children “win” them. So we forged ahead, confident that WE
could also find a golden egg. And while we were disappointed, we still
enjoyed the hunt. We were happy with what we got…and we spent the next
several days hiding and “finding” those eggs in our own yard. And we
did this year after year!
This is a loose analogy for today’s
scripture passage. But consider this…we cannot physically “see” God,
which is why it has been so hard for me to explain Him to little
children. They operate in the “tangible” world of
“I-find-a-prize-egg-and-you-give-me-the-chick-or-bunny!” But we are not
children…and life is not an Easter egg hunt.
At the core of
our Christian faith, we have to believe that God exists – and trust that
He will care for us just as He promised. We have to keep “hunting for
the eggs” and serving God in whatever capacity He
designates…understanding full well that the “prize” we seek may not be
something we can hold in our hands like a “golden egg.”
Our
“prize” is salvation through Jesus Christ…and the promise of Eternity
spent in His presence. And getting there may be bumpy – even rocky at
times. For some of us, every day will be something of a struggle in
some way. Does this mean God doesn’t love us and care about our
well-being or happiness? Absolutely not! In some ways, I believe that
God holds a special place in His heart for those who struggle, yet
continue to serve with a joyful, faith-filled attitude.
Let
today’s scripture passage soak into your soul. It is impossible to
please God without faith. You cannot serve Him and do His will if you
aren’t confident that He exists and will fulfill His promises. What do you
believe today? Who do you trust? Are you willing to continue to
“hunt” – and serve – even if you never get a tangible “prize” in this
earthly lifetime?
Do you truly believe that God exists…and that
He has great things in store for you? Isn’t it time you got a handle
on this, once and for all? Will this be the day you begin?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label following Jesus even when persecuted. Show all posts
Showing posts with label following Jesus even when persecuted. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for August 27, 2015
Matthew 10:34-39
“Don’t think I’ve come to make life cozy. I’ve come to cut—make a sharp knife-cut between son and father, daughter and mother, bride and mother-in-law—cut through these cozy domestic arrangements and free you for God. Well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies. If you prefer father or mother over me, you don’t deserve me. If you prefer son or daughter over me, you don’t deserve me.
“If you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Regional sections of our state newspaper carried a front-page article about young man from El Paso/Vilonia, Arkansas, who is beginning his freshman year of college. He is pictured wearing a green jacket and shirt, and the headline is “4-H is My Life.” Now I don’t know this young man, so I have no idea what he truly thinks or feels.
I don’t know if he really said these exact words…and if he did, I’m not sure that he meant them literally.
But I know several people who truly have made something or someone the most important focus of their lives. They have put this interest or person above everything else…even Jesus. I know people who are obsessed with work or a hobby…their own self-interests…or a significant other. There are people who live and breathe for their children or another family member…to the detriment of others around them. There are people who are obsessed with a particular sport or hobby – either as a spectator or a participant. Some people are so focused on their physical diet, exercise, and appearance that everything else is secondary.
I know people who have been told by their family members…it’s me or Jesus. I know spouses and children who have had to make this difficult decision…knowing that to choose Jesus might end their marriage or family relationship. And sadly, there are some people who are so focused on “church” or the activities and causes that they think define their Christian faith that they have totally left Jesus out of the mix.
Some or all of these situations – and countless others – could describe you and me on any given day. And in each instance, we have failed to keep the main thing the main thing! So look at the first verse of this passage again…the one where Jesus says “Don’t think I’ve come to make things cozy.” In other translations, it says, “I came to bring trouble, not peace.”(CEV)
Why would Jesus come to bring trouble? Let’s realize that this is not the typical “trouble” we envision. Jesus wants to “shake things up” a bit…to “rattle our cages” and make us think about Who He truly is…and where our priorities lie. He wants us to discover the depths of His love…and our loyalty. He wants us to be so devoted to Him that we are willing to strip away everything and everyone else…even parents, children, siblings, significant others, careers, possessions, hobbies, and personal desires of every kind.
We must be willing to put aside those things that we think define our Christian faith…the campaigns we wage to make a point about this commandment or that one…our efforts to sway lawmakers and the general public to “put God back” into XYZ…and focus on truly putting God back into our lives – at the very center of our every breath!
This is HARD STUFF! But it is critical. What – or who – is your “life” today? If we are not willing to let go of our own agendas and desires in order to focus totally on Jesus, then He is exactly right – we don’t deserve Him! And that’s just not an option for me…what about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
“Don’t think I’ve come to make life cozy. I’ve come to cut—make a sharp knife-cut between son and father, daughter and mother, bride and mother-in-law—cut through these cozy domestic arrangements and free you for God. Well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies. If you prefer father or mother over me, you don’t deserve me. If you prefer son or daughter over me, you don’t deserve me.
“If you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Regional sections of our state newspaper carried a front-page article about young man from El Paso/Vilonia, Arkansas, who is beginning his freshman year of college. He is pictured wearing a green jacket and shirt, and the headline is “4-H is My Life.” Now I don’t know this young man, so I have no idea what he truly thinks or feels.
I don’t know if he really said these exact words…and if he did, I’m not sure that he meant them literally.
But I know several people who truly have made something or someone the most important focus of their lives. They have put this interest or person above everything else…even Jesus. I know people who are obsessed with work or a hobby…their own self-interests…or a significant other. There are people who live and breathe for their children or another family member…to the detriment of others around them. There are people who are obsessed with a particular sport or hobby – either as a spectator or a participant. Some people are so focused on their physical diet, exercise, and appearance that everything else is secondary.
I know people who have been told by their family members…it’s me or Jesus. I know spouses and children who have had to make this difficult decision…knowing that to choose Jesus might end their marriage or family relationship. And sadly, there are some people who are so focused on “church” or the activities and causes that they think define their Christian faith that they have totally left Jesus out of the mix.
Some or all of these situations – and countless others – could describe you and me on any given day. And in each instance, we have failed to keep the main thing the main thing! So look at the first verse of this passage again…the one where Jesus says “Don’t think I’ve come to make things cozy.” In other translations, it says, “I came to bring trouble, not peace.”(CEV)
Why would Jesus come to bring trouble? Let’s realize that this is not the typical “trouble” we envision. Jesus wants to “shake things up” a bit…to “rattle our cages” and make us think about Who He truly is…and where our priorities lie. He wants us to discover the depths of His love…and our loyalty. He wants us to be so devoted to Him that we are willing to strip away everything and everyone else…even parents, children, siblings, significant others, careers, possessions, hobbies, and personal desires of every kind.
We must be willing to put aside those things that we think define our Christian faith…the campaigns we wage to make a point about this commandment or that one…our efforts to sway lawmakers and the general public to “put God back” into XYZ…and focus on truly putting God back into our lives – at the very center of our every breath!
This is HARD STUFF! But it is critical. What – or who – is your “life” today? If we are not willing to let go of our own agendas and desires in order to focus totally on Jesus, then He is exactly right – we don’t deserve Him! And that’s just not an option for me…what about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 2, 2015
John 10:10
The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A few weeks ago, Greg and I observed the release of a mature bald eagle at a federal fish hatchery located near our house. The Raptor Rehab of Central Arkansas officials believe this bird was hit by a car, and they were able to nurse it through the injury and release it back into the wild. Watching that majestic eagle step from the kennel and soar into the trees was a sight to behold. The bird perched in the tree for several minutes, then flew down river and disappeared from sight.
Today, I looked out the window in time to see an eagle soaring over the river behind our house. Of course, I cannot say whether this is the same mature bald eagle we watched return to its natural habitat a few weeks ago…but I like to think maybe it was. The bird soared on currents and wove back and forth for a couple of minutes before disappearing into the trees up river.
I couldn’t help but think about today’s scripture verse. Some “force” nearly cost this bird its life. I don’t know what caused a bald eagle to collide with a car…but I do know that mean-spirited people actually shoot and/or maim these birds – apparently for sport – which is a federal offense. And yet, through the efforts of projects such as Raptor Rehab of Central Arkansas, many injured and/or sick birds are rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Many of those that cannot be released are well cared for and utilized in the presentation of educational programs around the state.
These birds are “given life in all its fullness”. And surely, the God who offers such a second chance to birds of prey will do the same for us. Maybe you’ve been kicked around, knocked down, injured or struck by illness of some kind. Maybe your hurts are of a more personal nature…and maybe you have felt like “someone” was out to cause you harm – that their purpose was to steal, kill and destroy. And you’ve wondered why God has deserted you. The answer is that God has never left.
You may not see it…you may not “feel” God’s hand in the circumstances of your life…but like the loving folks who carefully rehab a bird of prey, God stands ready to restore you and give you purpose. Things may not be like they once were – you may not soar to the heights you once enjoyed. But God may show you another course…He may redirect your path and give you new objectives. Your job is to open your heart and mind to the possibilities that He presents.
So what will you choose? Will you wallow in the destruction of the “enemy”…or will you allow God to rehab you – and “soar with the eagles”? The choice is yours…and God is right beside you waiting for an answer. How will you respond?
©2015 Debbie Robus
http://www.rrca-raptors.org/
The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A few weeks ago, Greg and I observed the release of a mature bald eagle at a federal fish hatchery located near our house. The Raptor Rehab of Central Arkansas officials believe this bird was hit by a car, and they were able to nurse it through the injury and release it back into the wild. Watching that majestic eagle step from the kennel and soar into the trees was a sight to behold. The bird perched in the tree for several minutes, then flew down river and disappeared from sight.
Today, I looked out the window in time to see an eagle soaring over the river behind our house. Of course, I cannot say whether this is the same mature bald eagle we watched return to its natural habitat a few weeks ago…but I like to think maybe it was. The bird soared on currents and wove back and forth for a couple of minutes before disappearing into the trees up river.
I couldn’t help but think about today’s scripture verse. Some “force” nearly cost this bird its life. I don’t know what caused a bald eagle to collide with a car…but I do know that mean-spirited people actually shoot and/or maim these birds – apparently for sport – which is a federal offense. And yet, through the efforts of projects such as Raptor Rehab of Central Arkansas, many injured and/or sick birds are rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Many of those that cannot be released are well cared for and utilized in the presentation of educational programs around the state.
These birds are “given life in all its fullness”. And surely, the God who offers such a second chance to birds of prey will do the same for us. Maybe you’ve been kicked around, knocked down, injured or struck by illness of some kind. Maybe your hurts are of a more personal nature…and maybe you have felt like “someone” was out to cause you harm – that their purpose was to steal, kill and destroy. And you’ve wondered why God has deserted you. The answer is that God has never left.
You may not see it…you may not “feel” God’s hand in the circumstances of your life…but like the loving folks who carefully rehab a bird of prey, God stands ready to restore you and give you purpose. Things may not be like they once were – you may not soar to the heights you once enjoyed. But God may show you another course…He may redirect your path and give you new objectives. Your job is to open your heart and mind to the possibilities that He presents.
So what will you choose? Will you wallow in the destruction of the “enemy”…or will you allow God to rehab you – and “soar with the eagles”? The choice is yours…and God is right beside you waiting for an answer. How will you respond?
©2015 Debbie Robus
http://www.rrca-raptors.org/
Daily Devotional for December 3, 2013
Hebrews 6:10-12
God is always fair. He will remember how you helped his people in the past and how you are still helping them. You belong to God, and he won’t forget the love you have shown his people. We wish that each of you would always be eager to show how strong and lasting your hope really is. Then you would never be lazy. You would be following the example of those who had faith and were patient until God kept his promise to them.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever watched small children in a group setting, you have probably noticed that there is always at least one child who is eager to greet the others. This child wants to welcome the other children with hugs… wants them to come and play with him/her… wants to “hang out” with them. And often, at least a few of the children will bristle and resist these loving gestures. Some might even be downright rude in their rejection. It’s interesting to watch what happens next. Sometimes the loving, caring child will be upset and even lament to an adult… or pout. But most of the time, he/she simply moves on to another child – or another activity – and continues to happily dole out love and a positive attitude.
Have you ever been in a situation where no matter how much you do for someone… how much you love them and give of your time and energy to them… they seem to take every opportunity to kick you, put you down, and trample on your heart? In essence, you stick out your hand to greet them and say, “Come and play with me”… and their answer is a resounding – and sometimes ugly – “NO!” What do you do with this? How do you react?
I believe that we can learn a lot from the example of the children I described. I believe that this is exactly what God is telling us to do in this scripture passage… “Move forward… keep loving and giving. You may have to pick an alternate recipient, and/or you may have to grow a thicker skin toward those who reject and rebuke your efforts… but never lose confidence in God’s promises… and NEVER stop demonstrating your hope and faith to others in His name.”
It’s a tall order… especially when your feelings are raw and your heart is breaking. But God will not fail you… He will not leave you to suffer and flounder under the weight of insults and burdens. He will show you how and where to concentrate your efforts… where you can do the most good in His name. And He will BLESS YOU for your obedience and perseverance! Keep loving… keep doing things for others… and keep hoping and believing in God’s fairness and His promises. He will not forget the love you have shown His people…and they won’t either!
©2013 Debbie Robus
God is always fair. He will remember how you helped his people in the past and how you are still helping them. You belong to God, and he won’t forget the love you have shown his people. We wish that each of you would always be eager to show how strong and lasting your hope really is. Then you would never be lazy. You would be following the example of those who had faith and were patient until God kept his promise to them.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever watched small children in a group setting, you have probably noticed that there is always at least one child who is eager to greet the others. This child wants to welcome the other children with hugs… wants them to come and play with him/her… wants to “hang out” with them. And often, at least a few of the children will bristle and resist these loving gestures. Some might even be downright rude in their rejection. It’s interesting to watch what happens next. Sometimes the loving, caring child will be upset and even lament to an adult… or pout. But most of the time, he/she simply moves on to another child – or another activity – and continues to happily dole out love and a positive attitude.
Have you ever been in a situation where no matter how much you do for someone… how much you love them and give of your time and energy to them… they seem to take every opportunity to kick you, put you down, and trample on your heart? In essence, you stick out your hand to greet them and say, “Come and play with me”… and their answer is a resounding – and sometimes ugly – “NO!” What do you do with this? How do you react?
I believe that we can learn a lot from the example of the children I described. I believe that this is exactly what God is telling us to do in this scripture passage… “Move forward… keep loving and giving. You may have to pick an alternate recipient, and/or you may have to grow a thicker skin toward those who reject and rebuke your efforts… but never lose confidence in God’s promises… and NEVER stop demonstrating your hope and faith to others in His name.”
It’s a tall order… especially when your feelings are raw and your heart is breaking. But God will not fail you… He will not leave you to suffer and flounder under the weight of insults and burdens. He will show you how and where to concentrate your efforts… where you can do the most good in His name. And He will BLESS YOU for your obedience and perseverance! Keep loving… keep doing things for others… and keep hoping and believing in God’s fairness and His promises. He will not forget the love you have shown His people…and they won’t either!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 25, 2013
Luke 8:15
And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The major news networks continue to present story after story of courage from the devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma last week. In particular, there have been numerous profiles of brave teachers who hunkered down – and hovered over – their precious charges…singing with them, praying, and assuring them that “This will be over soon.” One teacher said, “I just kept telling them, ‘It’s almost over! It’s almost over!’” Like most teachers and former teachers, these will tell you that our students become like our own children… each one precious to us. After all, for some nine months or more, teachers spend as much time – or more – with their students than their own parents do! I can tell you firsthand that a deep bond develops.
Last Monday in Moore, Oklahoma, the patience and perseverance of these teachers and students paid off hugely. Monthly tornado drills that suddenly became a reality helped to keep the children safe. The love and courage of dozens of teachers shielded these children… both physically and emotionally. And while there were heartbreaking losses… there were tremendous harvests of safe, relatively unscathed students and teachers. Experts of all kinds have asserted that nothing further could be done to protect those children. Even where students perished, the teachers and those involved were doing what they had trained to do… they were following protocol and heeding the instructions they had been given.
While earthly lives were lost, there are blessings and positive points even in these deaths. We have come to know a lot about the precious children who died… and their families. God has shown us courageous parents who are facing unbelievable heartache with boldness and resolution. We have learned about little ones who crammed more living into 9 years or so than many of us who live three, four, or even ten times that long!
Just as these teachers and students heeded the safety instructions they had been given… we must listen to God’s word. Just as these teachers planted seeds of love and devotion for their students and channeled that courage and conviction into becoming a human shield and shelter… we must plant seeds of the Good News of Jesus Christ with total conviction. We must nurture and shield others as we sew God’s love into them… and we must patiently wait on His harvest. And just as those children who lost their lives spent what time they had on earth embracing love and blessing others, we must do the same.
I’m sure that it seemed like the tornado roared over these Oklahoma cities for hours... even though it was minutes. And often, it seems like God’s answers and evidence of our efforts on His behalf are taking far too long. But I assure you, “It’s almost here… it’s almost here!” God’s answers are always perfect… and right on time. Our job is to stay hunkered down and keep working until He delivers. Are you patiently working – and waiting – on God? Are you anticipating a huge harvest? Isn’t it time you were?
©2013 Debbie Robus
And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The major news networks continue to present story after story of courage from the devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma last week. In particular, there have been numerous profiles of brave teachers who hunkered down – and hovered over – their precious charges…singing with them, praying, and assuring them that “This will be over soon.” One teacher said, “I just kept telling them, ‘It’s almost over! It’s almost over!’” Like most teachers and former teachers, these will tell you that our students become like our own children… each one precious to us. After all, for some nine months or more, teachers spend as much time – or more – with their students than their own parents do! I can tell you firsthand that a deep bond develops.
Last Monday in Moore, Oklahoma, the patience and perseverance of these teachers and students paid off hugely. Monthly tornado drills that suddenly became a reality helped to keep the children safe. The love and courage of dozens of teachers shielded these children… both physically and emotionally. And while there were heartbreaking losses… there were tremendous harvests of safe, relatively unscathed students and teachers. Experts of all kinds have asserted that nothing further could be done to protect those children. Even where students perished, the teachers and those involved were doing what they had trained to do… they were following protocol and heeding the instructions they had been given.
While earthly lives were lost, there are blessings and positive points even in these deaths. We have come to know a lot about the precious children who died… and their families. God has shown us courageous parents who are facing unbelievable heartache with boldness and resolution. We have learned about little ones who crammed more living into 9 years or so than many of us who live three, four, or even ten times that long!
Just as these teachers and students heeded the safety instructions they had been given… we must listen to God’s word. Just as these teachers planted seeds of love and devotion for their students and channeled that courage and conviction into becoming a human shield and shelter… we must plant seeds of the Good News of Jesus Christ with total conviction. We must nurture and shield others as we sew God’s love into them… and we must patiently wait on His harvest. And just as those children who lost their lives spent what time they had on earth embracing love and blessing others, we must do the same.
I’m sure that it seemed like the tornado roared over these Oklahoma cities for hours... even though it was minutes. And often, it seems like God’s answers and evidence of our efforts on His behalf are taking far too long. But I assure you, “It’s almost here… it’s almost here!” God’s answers are always perfect… and right on time. Our job is to stay hunkered down and keep working until He delivers. Are you patiently working – and waiting – on God? Are you anticipating a huge harvest? Isn’t it time you were?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 24, 2013
May 24 ~ Luke 21:16-19
Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you. And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But not a hair of your head will perish! By standing firm, you will win your souls.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I have a friend who tells the story of his grandfather…a Jew who became a Christian. The grandfather’s family told him that he was dead to them if he made such a decision. My friend’s grandfather chose to follow Jesus anyhow. A church member I know tells of how he and fellow members of his army platoon met in secret while deployed to Afghanistan during the first Gulf War… just so they could hold worship services. In doing so, they literally feared for their lives… as do countless others around the globe who worship in places where Christianity is forbidden. That is something most of us cannot fathom. We cannot begin to consider possible betrayal or death – especially at the hands of a friend, family member or loved one because of our faith. Imagine living in a country where your worship of Jesus Christ might be so daunting that your own parents would turn you in to the authorities for doing so, just to save their own necks!
Few of us can imagine doing this. But maybe you grew up in a family where you were persuaded to “skip church and do something fun” with the family. You might have been the only person in your household who desired to worship and serve Jesus… and the others might have berated you for doing so. Perhaps you have been laughed at and ridiculed by your classmates and friends because of your faith. Maybe you have been labeled as a “goody two-shoes” or a “Jesus freak” – and excluded from certain circles and invitations to more than one event. Maybe you have decided to follow Jesus… and in doing so, you had to give up friends – and even family members – and distance yourself from those who engage in immoral, illegal, and/or sinful activities.
Whatever ridicule, exclusion, physical or emotional abuse or discomfort of any sort you may experience because you love and serve Jesus, know this… He has your back! You will come out on top. As this scripture indicates… “not a hair on your head will perish!” You may be bruised and scraped… wounded emotionally, if not physically… but you will survive. You can handle it, because Jesus is with you. He is your shield and your protector. There is nothing anyone else can say or do to you that can matter more than Jesus. There is a catch… you must be patient. This may not happen overnight. You may very well have to suffer indignation and mistreatment for a while… and it may seem like an eternity. But God will NOT leave you hanging. He will bless you… and use your Discipleship and faithfulness. He will honor those who honor Him with their obedience, steadfastness and commitments.
Last night, I read through my prayer journal for the last year. I noted the many requests I had placed before God… for people to be healed – physically and emotionally… for this one or that to get a job or a restored relationship… for countless children…for some dear souls to be allowed to enter Heaven…and more. I made a list of some of the requests that God answered… and I took notice of how He answered. Most of the time, His answer was at least a little bit different than my request… but it was always perfect. The timing was better… the outcome was impeccable…the response made more sense and had a more positive impact overall.
So why do I doubt? Why do I try to impose my timetable? Why can’t I be patient and trust God in all things? Why do I worry that for one minute, He might allow a hair on my head to perish? Why would we ever fear following Jesus? I know the answer… our own human frailties and the inroads these provide for Satan to get a stronghold. Because we all know that fear comes from the devil… it’s one of his favorite tools!
Today, my prayer is that God would make me more patient and trusting. I am reminded of how faithful He is to care for me… and how I should be more faithful and trusting in my Discipleship. Truly, nothing – and no one – matters more than Jesus. The day we begin to understand this fully is the day we really arrive as Christians. Where does this leave you? Are you willing to put Jesus before everything – and everyone – else? Have you arrived in your Spiritual journey? Are you even on your way?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you. And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But not a hair of your head will perish! By standing firm, you will win your souls.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I have a friend who tells the story of his grandfather…a Jew who became a Christian. The grandfather’s family told him that he was dead to them if he made such a decision. My friend’s grandfather chose to follow Jesus anyhow. A church member I know tells of how he and fellow members of his army platoon met in secret while deployed to Afghanistan during the first Gulf War… just so they could hold worship services. In doing so, they literally feared for their lives… as do countless others around the globe who worship in places where Christianity is forbidden. That is something most of us cannot fathom. We cannot begin to consider possible betrayal or death – especially at the hands of a friend, family member or loved one because of our faith. Imagine living in a country where your worship of Jesus Christ might be so daunting that your own parents would turn you in to the authorities for doing so, just to save their own necks!
Few of us can imagine doing this. But maybe you grew up in a family where you were persuaded to “skip church and do something fun” with the family. You might have been the only person in your household who desired to worship and serve Jesus… and the others might have berated you for doing so. Perhaps you have been laughed at and ridiculed by your classmates and friends because of your faith. Maybe you have been labeled as a “goody two-shoes” or a “Jesus freak” – and excluded from certain circles and invitations to more than one event. Maybe you have decided to follow Jesus… and in doing so, you had to give up friends – and even family members – and distance yourself from those who engage in immoral, illegal, and/or sinful activities.
Whatever ridicule, exclusion, physical or emotional abuse or discomfort of any sort you may experience because you love and serve Jesus, know this… He has your back! You will come out on top. As this scripture indicates… “not a hair on your head will perish!” You may be bruised and scraped… wounded emotionally, if not physically… but you will survive. You can handle it, because Jesus is with you. He is your shield and your protector. There is nothing anyone else can say or do to you that can matter more than Jesus. There is a catch… you must be patient. This may not happen overnight. You may very well have to suffer indignation and mistreatment for a while… and it may seem like an eternity. But God will NOT leave you hanging. He will bless you… and use your Discipleship and faithfulness. He will honor those who honor Him with their obedience, steadfastness and commitments.
Last night, I read through my prayer journal for the last year. I noted the many requests I had placed before God… for people to be healed – physically and emotionally… for this one or that to get a job or a restored relationship… for countless children…for some dear souls to be allowed to enter Heaven…and more. I made a list of some of the requests that God answered… and I took notice of how He answered. Most of the time, His answer was at least a little bit different than my request… but it was always perfect. The timing was better… the outcome was impeccable…the response made more sense and had a more positive impact overall.
So why do I doubt? Why do I try to impose my timetable? Why can’t I be patient and trust God in all things? Why do I worry that for one minute, He might allow a hair on my head to perish? Why would we ever fear following Jesus? I know the answer… our own human frailties and the inroads these provide for Satan to get a stronghold. Because we all know that fear comes from the devil… it’s one of his favorite tools!
Today, my prayer is that God would make me more patient and trusting. I am reminded of how faithful He is to care for me… and how I should be more faithful and trusting in my Discipleship. Truly, nothing – and no one – matters more than Jesus. The day we begin to understand this fully is the day we really arrive as Christians. Where does this leave you? Are you willing to put Jesus before everything – and everyone – else? Have you arrived in your Spiritual journey? Are you even on your way?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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