"I press toward the mark for the prize of
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:14 KJV
Having been a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ for more than thirty years...
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:14 KJV
Having been a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ for more than thirty years...
...I can honestly say that the decision to repent of my sins, and place my faith in Him, was by far the best decision I have ever made. And the joy and peace I now have has made the decision to follow Him worth every trial and hardship I've encountered in life.
Yes, being a follower of the Lord has at times been beautiful, while at other times, bittersweet. But that's okay, because Jesus said it would be this way. "I have told you that in Me you will have peace. However, here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
And as time marches on, I find this to be true. Being a disciple of Messiah Jesus is glorious, but it can be costly. As the apostle Paul wrote to his spiritual son Timothy, "Endure suffering with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:3). And then Paul added, "Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Messiah Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12).
Oh, boy! That sounds like fun. Suffering and persecution. What can I say? It comes as a result of our relationship with the Lord. After all, Jesus had His share of haters. He said we would have them too. "If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you" (John 15:18).
But the good news is that in spite of persecution and hardship, we are assured the victory. For He has already overcome the world. Therefore, through our faith in Him, we have likewise overcome. "For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith in Him" (1 John 5:4 NLT).
Frankly, I often need to remind myself of these truths. Why? Because my trials can seem overwhelming, and I will become battle weary. But as I begin to meditate upon the goodness of my Savior, my strength returns. And when it does, I will once again pick up my cross and continue to follow Jesus, one step at a time.
By the grace of God, I will press on. Inch by inch, if necessary. As long as I make progress and gain ground against the enemy, that's what counts.
D.B.
Yes, being a follower of the Lord has at times been beautiful, while at other times, bittersweet. But that's okay, because Jesus said it would be this way. "I have told you that in Me you will have peace. However, here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
And as time marches on, I find this to be true. Being a disciple of Messiah Jesus is glorious, but it can be costly. As the apostle Paul wrote to his spiritual son Timothy, "Endure suffering with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:3). And then Paul added, "Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Messiah Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12).
Oh, boy! That sounds like fun. Suffering and persecution. What can I say? It comes as a result of our relationship with the Lord. After all, Jesus had His share of haters. He said we would have them too. "If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you" (John 15:18).
But the good news is that in spite of persecution and hardship, we are assured the victory. For He has already overcome the world. Therefore, through our faith in Him, we have likewise overcome. "For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith in Him" (1 John 5:4 NLT).
Frankly, I often need to remind myself of these truths. Why? Because my trials can seem overwhelming, and I will become battle weary. But as I begin to meditate upon the goodness of my Savior, my strength returns. And when it does, I will once again pick up my cross and continue to follow Jesus, one step at a time.
By the grace of God, I will press on. Inch by inch, if necessary. As long as I make progress and gain ground against the enemy, that's what counts.
D.B.