"We have around us many people (cloud of witnesses, some have passed on, and some are still with us - a cloud of saints!) whose lives tell us what faith means. So let us run the race that is before us and never give up. We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back. Let us look only to Jesus, the One who began, inspires, our faith and who makes it perfect. For the sake of the joy which lay before Him he endured the cross, heedless of its shame. And now is sitting at the right side of God's throne! (the highest honor). Remember how He endured the opposition of sinners; hence do not grow despondent or abandon the struggle." (Never give up!) Hebrews chapter 12, verses 1-3
Jesus hears all the voices of all the people who follow Him. And He sees you! From the very first man (Adam) to the infant born as you are reading these words. He sees and He hears them all! (Read Hebrews chapter 11)
And you can be sure of this: Among the voices that found their way to Him who is seated at the right hand of the Father, was your voice . . .
And not only did He hear you, He saw you. He saw your face beaming the hour you first knew Him. He saw your face in shame the hour you first fell. The same face that looked back at you from this morning's mirror, looked at Him. And it was enough to kill Him! He died a torturous death on the cross because of YOU! He could not bear the sight of sinfulness and evil in the world, He could not bear the thought of your hopelessness - so He took it all to the cross, where it all died with Him! And he does this every day! He saved YOU, and all of us, and all who are willing Follow Jesus' Example! It wasn't easy for Him, and for sure, it's not easy for us. But the Joy that follows is worth it all!
Look for joy in difficult times. As Sharon tells us often - laugh every day! How can others benefit from your struggle? Look beyond the pain and struggles and find God's purpose for your life. Ask Him to reveal it to you. Then pay attention - because He will show you.
Hebrews 13:15 - "So through Jesus let us always offer to God our sacrifice of praise, coming from lips that speak His name. Do not forget to do good to others, and share with them, because such sacrifices please God." And verses 20-21 - "I pray that the God of peace will give you every good thing you need so you can do what He wants. I pray that God will do in us what pleases Him, through Jesus Christ, and to Him be glory forever and ever. Amen"
Be sure to read Psalm 126 - it's a short one.
Let's share with each other here - ways we've found joy in our difficult times. What brought us to tears and what did we find of joy in those tears?
Have you realized the purpose of your struggles and pain? What is it? I know my purpose is not any grandiose thing like I thought it was supposed to be when I first accepted Jesus into my life. One day I heard loud and clear the saying I'd heard so many times: BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED!!! God wanted me to teach my own family and those I come in contact with so often. This reading from Hebrews was very eye-opening to me as I grew in the Lord. There are so many "saints" around me, both in the heavens now, and living around me, who were great examples of Jesus and how He intends for us to live. And then He showed me all the people around me who really didn't know Jesus and He wanted me to introduce them to Him. That is my purpose. My "Mission Field". Another purpose I think for my life is intercessory prayer. So important. There are so many people and circumstances to pray for, and it seems like God puts them right in my world, and brings them to mind when I need to pray. At times I don't really even know the people I am praying for, but God puts them in my mind, so I pray! I don't understand that part so much, but I do it. And, of course, we all need to pray for America. She needs God's help and protection more now than ever before. Another time I'll share some of how these unknown people and unknown circumstances prayers are answered. Can you share, too?
God bless you all.
3 comments:
I find that this is a very powerful message for me right now at this time. I vividly recall the day I first knew Jesus as my personal savior. The circumstances that brought me to that place, the incredible feeling of peace that permeated every cell in my body. Amazing. Jesus is my encourager, my safe place, my fortress, my stronghold. I try to follow his example by being an encourager to everyone I know. Life is hard and we all need someone in our corner, right? This post made me think of all that now when I am feeling discouraged. And I feel better just remembering that if God is for me, what can mere man do to harm me? Not much. I am victorious in the Lord. All believers are.
Oh, this is wonderful, Mickey! Thank you for posting it! You sure did hit the nail on the head when you said you are an encourager! I've noticed that about for a very long time. That is your purpose, for sure, and without you following Jesus and answering this call on your life, where would everyone be who needs to be encouraged and loved by you - and Jesus!
P. S. You are encouraging right now, by posting this! It makes me want to keep going when I know someone is being blessed by what I am writing! Thank you so much! I am blessed by what you are writing, too!
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