Seeing Life From God's View

What is your life? James 4:14b (NIV)

"We don't see things as they are; we see them as we are" ~ Anais Nin

"The way you see your life shapes your life"

How you define life determines your destiny. Your perspective will influence how you invest your time, spend your money, use your talents, and value your relationships.

One of the best ways to understand other people is to ask them, "How do you see your life?" You will discover that there are as many different answers to that question as there are people. I've been told life is a circus, a minefield, a roller coaster, a puzzle, a symphony, a journey, and a dance. People have said, "Life is a carousel: Sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down, and sometimes you just go round and round" or "life is a ten-speed bicycle with gears we never use" or "life is a game of cards: You have to play the hand you are dealt."
  

If I asked how you picture life, what image would come to your mind? That image is your life metaphor. It's the view of life that you hold, consciously or unconsciously, in your mind. It's your description of how life works and what you expect from it. People often express their life metaphors through clothes, jewellery, cars, hairstyles, bumper stickers, even tattoos.

Your unspoken life metaphor influences your life more than you realize. It determines your expectations, your values, your relationships, your goals, and your priorities. For instance, if you think life is a party, your primary value in life will be having fun. If you see life as a race, you will value speed and will probably be in a hurry much of the time. If you view life as a marathon, you will value endurance. If you see life as a battle or a game, winning will be very important to you.

What is your view of life? You may be basing your life on a faulty life metaphor. To fulfil the purposes God made you for, you will have to challenge conventional wisdom and replace it with the biblical metaphors of life. The Bible says, "Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God."

The Bible offers three metaphors that teach us God's view of life: Life is a test, life is a trust, and life is a temporary assignment. These ideas are the foundation of purpose-driven living.

Life on earth is a Test. This life metaphor is seen in stories throughout the Bible. God continually tests people's character, faith, obedience, love, integrity, and loyalty. Words like trials, temptations, refining, and testing occur more than 200 times in the Bible. God tested Abraham by asking him to offer his son Isaac. God tested Jacob when he had to work extra years to earn Rachel as his wife.

Adam and Eve failed their test in the Garden of Eden, and David failed his tests from God on several occasions. But the Bible also gives us many examples of people who passed a great test, such as Joseph, Ruth, Esther, and Daniel.

Character is both developed and revealed by tests, and all of life is a test. You are always being tested. God constantly watches your response to people, problems, success, conflict, illness, disappointment, and even the weather! He even watches the simplest actions such as when you open a door for others, when you pick up a piece of trash, or when you're polite toward a clerk or waitress.

We don't know all the tests God will give you, but we can predict some of them, based on the Bible. You will be tested by major changes, delayed promises, impossible problems, unanswered prayers, undeserved criticism, and even senseless tragedies. In my own life, I have noticed that God tests my faith through problems, tests my hope by how I handle possessions, and tests my love through people.

A very important test is how you act when you can't feel God's presence in your life. Sometimes, God intentionally draws back, and we don't sense his closeness. A king named Hezekiah experienced this test. The Bible says, "God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart." Hezekiah had enjoyed a close fellowship with God, but at a crucial point in his life God left him alone to test his character, to reveal a weakness, and to prepare him for more responsibility.

When you understand that life is a test, you realize that nothing is insignificant in your life. Even the smallest incident has significance for your character development. Every day is an important day, and every second is a growth opportunity to deepen your character, to demonstrate love, or to depend on God. Some tests seem overwhelming, while others you don't even notice. But all of them have eternal implications. Character is both developed and revealed by tests, and all of life is a test.

The good news is that God wants you to pass the tests of life, so he never allows the tests you face to be greater than the grace he gives you to handle them. The Bible says, "God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out."

Every time you pass a test, God notices and makes plans to reward you in eternity. James says, "Blessed are those who endure when they are tested. When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

Life on earth is a Trust. This is the second biblical metaphor of life. Our time on earth and our energy, intelligence, opportunities, relationships, and resources are all gifts from God that he has entrusted to our care and management. We are stewards of whatever God gives us. This concept of stewardship begins with the recognition that God is the owner of everything and everyone on earth. The Bible says, "The world and all that is in it belong to the LORD; the earth and all who live on it are his."

We never really own anything during our brief stay on earth. God just loans the earth to us while we're here. It was God's property before you arrived, and God will loan it to someone else after you die. You just get to enjoy it for a while.

When God created Adam and Eve, he entrusted the care of his creation to them and appointed them trustees of his property. The Bible says, "[God] blessed them, and said, "Have many children, so that your descendants will live all over the earth and bring it under their control. I am putting you in charge."'

The first job God gave humans was to manage and take care of God's "stuff" on earth. This role has never been rescinded. It is a part of our purpose today. Everything we enjoy is to be treated as a trust that God has placed in our hands. The Bible says, "What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though you have accomplished something on your own?"

Testimony from my father in the Lord...

Years ago, a couple let my wife and me use their beautiful, beach-front home in Hawaii for a vacation. It was an experience we could never have afforded, and we enjoyed it immensely. We were told, "Use it just like it's yours," so we did! We swam in the pool, ate the food in the refrigerator, used the bath towels and dishes, and even jumped on the beds in fun! But we knew all along that it wasn't really ours, so we took special care of everything. We enjoyed the benefits of using the home without owning it.

Our culture says, "If you don't own it, you won't take care of it." But Christians live by a higher standard: "Because God owns it, I must take the best care of it that I can." The Bible says, "those who are trusted with something valuable must show they are worthy of that trust." Jesus often referred to life as a trust and told many stories to illustrate this responsibility toward God.

In the story of the talents, a businessman entrusts his wealth to the care of his servants while he's away. When he returns, he evaluates each servant's responsibility and rewards them accordingly. The owner says, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness."

At the end of your life on earth you will be evaluated and rewarded according to how well you handled what God entrusted to you. That means everything you do, even simple daily chores, has eternal implications. If you treat everything as a trust, God promises three rewards in eternity. First, you will be given God's affirmation: He will say, "Good job! Well done!" Next, you will receive a promotion and be given greater responsibility in eternity: "I will put you in charge of many things." Then you will be honoured with a celebration: "Come and share your Master's happiness."

The more God gives you, the more responsible he expects you to be.

Most people fail to realize that money is both a test and a trust from God. God uses finances to teach us to trust him, and for many people, money is the greatest test of all. God watches how we use money to test how trustworthy we are. The Bible says, "If you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?"

This is a very important truth. God says there is a direct relationship between how I use my money and the quality of my spiritual life. How I manage my money ("worldly wealth") determines how much God can trust me with spiritual blessings ("true riches"). Let me ask you: Is the way you manage your money preventing God from doing more in your life? Can you be trusted with spiritual riches?

Jesus said, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.' Life is a test and a trust, and the more God gives you, the more responsible he expects you to be.

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder: Life is a test and a trust.

Verse to Remember: "Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones.” Luke I6:l0a (NLT)

Question to Consider: What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God had entrusted to me?

==Written by: Rick Warren (Purpose Driven Life) ===

THE TRUTH MEDIA

...building the body of Christ.

Be Thou An Example

TEXT: 1 TIMOTHY 4:12; 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-11

The Lord Jesus is set forth as a perfect example for the Church in purity, humility, quiet resignation to God's will and in suffering wrongfully without retaliation. In like manner, every true follower of Christ has been called unto radiant and exemplary living in all spheres of life - at home, in the neighbourhood, at work, and in the church of God. Such exemplary living is an index of true discipleship and means by which the world glorifies God in us.

In practical terms, our texts above reveal the attitude, and disposition expected of a Christian. He must serve as a pattern for imitation and inspiration to other members in the church and among unbelievers. The realms of such exemplary living are in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith and in purity.

To start with, a true child of God must be an example to believers in word. He/she does not speak, critical, angry, idle words. He/she is never accused of murmuring, frivolity, talkativeness, boasting, flattery, lying or worse still, swearing. A Christian is a man or woman of unquestionable integrity. His/her yea is yea and his/her nay, nay.

Conversation relates to the general lifestyle of a believer. The attitudes, conducts and actions of a true child of God is devoid of greediness, disobedience, unruly behaviours, contention, indulgence and talebearing, etc.

However, as beneficiaries of God's matchless love and grace at salvation, having been cleansed from all selfish tendencies, a Christian's heart is exercised unto unfeigned love of the brethren, extended even to unbelievers.

In addition to these virtues is his/her fervency of spirit. A Christian is grave, sober, prayerful and heaven-minded. His/her affections are wholly set on things above and he/she constantly expects the Lord's return.

Moreover, a true child of God is a man or woman of faith. His/her quiet repose in God in times of crises is an inspiration to others. Nevertheless, the total picture of the Christian is holiness. He or she is pure in his dealings at home, at work and in the church. He/she does not indulge in secret sins.

As believers, we must watch against bad examples as they can make others fall from their steadfastness in the Lord and shrink in faith. We should know that God's judgment awaits those who live in guile, deceit and gross misconduct as opposed to His commandments.

Dear Christians, I urge you "to live lives worthy of God, who called us into His own kingdom and the glorious blessedness into which true believers will enter after Christ's return" (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12; Amplified Bible). We are the living Bible this sinful world will ever read.

"And if you call upon Him (God) as your Father Who judges each one impartially according to what he or she does, then you should conduct yourself with true reverence throughout the time of your temporary residence on earth, whether long or short" (1 Peter 1:17).

"...Christ has left us an example that we should follow in His footsteps" (1 Peter 2:21). Thus, we are to live as ambassadors of Christ, so God's appeal to the world through us would be accepted and not ridiculed (2 Corinthians 5:20).

"Be imitators of God as well-beloved children imitate their father ... For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [lead the lives of those native-born to the Light] ... And try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord [let your life be a constant proof of what is most acceptable to God]" (Ephesians 5:1,8,10).

Be thou an example! "Lead a life worthy of the divine calling to which you have been called [with behaviour that is a credit to the summons to God's service...]. Let your life lovingly express truth ... and let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, even Jesus Christ [the Messiah, the Anointed one]" (Ephesians 4:1,15).

Finally, dear brethren, I urge you all to be thou an example! In whatever you say or do, know whom you represent and have believed in. The world is watching; let others see Jesus in you.

Now to Him who, by the power that is at work within us, is able to do superabundantly, far over and above all that we ask or think, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (Ephesians 3:20-21).

May the grace and peace of the Lord be with you. God bless! Feel free to share and leave your comments.

THE TRUTH MEDIA

...building the body of Christ.

Avoid Working Against God

TEXT: 2 KINGS 16:1-9 

Key verse: “And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree” (2 Kings 16:4).  

Donald Arthur Carson, a Canadian-born, Reformed Evangelical theologian and professor of the New Testament, said: “In the first garden, ‘Not Your will but mine’ by Adam changed Paradise to desert and brought man from Eden to Gethsemane. Now ‘Not My will but Yours’ by Jesus Christ brings anguish to the Man who prays it but transforms the desert into the kingdom and brings man from Gethsemane to the gates of glory.” 

Ahaz would equally have had such a beautiful testimony in his life, if he had allowed God’s will as against his, to dominate his existence. This would have made not only his entire life’s story to be somewhat different, but equally had a transforming impact on the Israelites. Sadly, he was indifferent to God’s unequivocal warnings about the conduct of the people around him and the dangers of emulating their evil ways.  

Clearly, Ahaz was a king who was not guided by a sense of history and who never bothered to read the Scriptures. Otherwise, he would have recognized in Leviticus 20:3 and 5 that God emphatically said “1 will set my face against that man” who makes his son to pass through fire, and who defiles His holy sanctuary. He did enough to incur God’s wrath, and had a measure of it. 

Today, some so-called Christians have followed the path of Ahaz. They set aside days to celebrate old idolatrous practices, though under different colourations. They spend fortunes on revisiting the evils, which drew their ignorant ancestors far away from the living and true God. Believers will do well to avoid association in any form with any and all of these evils. Are you involved in any form of superstition, idolatry or compromise with those who do them? Confess your sins and sever your relationship with all forms of idolatry.  

Thought for you: Anything you want more than God is an idol.  - See more at: <<Daily Manna>>

Feel free to share and leave your comments. May the grace of the Lord be with you.

 THE TRUTH MEDIA

...building the body of Christ.

TEXT: 2 KINGS 16:1-9

Key verse: “And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree” (2 Kings 16:4). 

Donald Arthur Carson, a Canadian-born, Reformed Evangelical theologian and professor of the New Testament, said: “In the first garden, ‘Not Your will but mine’ by Adam changed Paradise to desert and brought man from Eden to Gethsemane. Now ‘Not My will but Yours’ by Jesus Christ brings anguish to the Man who prays it but transforms the desert into the kingdom and brings man from Gethsemane to the gates of glory.”

Ahaz would equally have had such a beautiful testimony in his life, if he had allowed God’s will as against his, to dominate his existence. This would have made not only his entire life’s story to be somewhat different, but equally had a transforming impact on the Israelites. Sadly, he was indifferent to God’s unequivocal warnings about the conduct of the people around him and the dangers of emulating their evil ways. 

Clearly, Ahaz was a king who was not guided by a sense of history and who never bothered to read the Scriptures. Otherwise, he would have recognised in Leviticus 20:3 and 5 that God emphatically said “1 will set my face against that man” who makes his son to pass through fire, and who defiles His holy sanctuary. He did enough to incur God’s wrath, and had a measure of it.

Today, some so-called Christians have followed the path of Ahaz. They set aside days to celebrate old idolatrous practices, though under different colourations. They spend fortunes on revisiting the evils, which drew their ignorant ancestors far away from the living and true God. Believers will do well to avoid association in any form with any and all of these evils. Are you involved in any form of superstition, idolatry or compromise with those who do them? Confess your sins and sever your relationship with all forms of idolatry. 

Thought for the day: Anything you want more than God is an idol. 

- See more at: http://dailymanna.dclmhq.org/2014/09/topic-avoid-working-against-god.html#.VB3KohawHIU

TEXT: 2 KINGS 16:1-9

Key verse: “And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree” (2 Kings 16:4). 

Donald Arthur Carson, a Canadian-born, Reformed Evangelical theologian and professor of the New Testament, said: “In the first garden, ‘Not Your will but mine’ by Adam changed Paradise to desert and brought man from Eden to Gethsemane. Now ‘Not My will but Yours’ by Jesus Christ brings anguish to the Man who prays it but transforms the desert into the kingdom and brings man from Gethsemane to the gates of glory.”

Ahaz would equally have had such a beautiful testimony in his life, if he had allowed God’s will as against his, to dominate his existence. This would have made not only his entire life’s story to be somewhat different, but equally had a transforming impact on the Israelites. Sadly, he was indifferent to God’s unequivocal warnings about the conduct of the people around him and the dangers of emulating their evil ways. 

Clearly, Ahaz was a king who was not guided by a sense of history and who never bothered to read the Scriptures. Otherwise, he would have recognised in Leviticus 20:3 and 5 that God emphatically said “1 will set my face against that man” who makes his son to pass through fire, and who defiles His holy sanctuary. He did enough to incur God’s wrath, and had a measure of it.

Today, some so-called Christians have followed the path of Ahaz. They set aside days to celebrate old idolatrous practices, though under different colourations. They spend fortunes on revisiting the evils, which drew their ignorant ancestors far away from the living and true God. Believers will do well to avoid association in any form with any and all of these evils. Are you involved in any form of superstition, idolatry or compromise with those who do them? Confess your sins and sever your relationship with all forms of idolatry. 

Thought for the day: Anything you want more than God is an idol. 

- See more at: http://dailymanna.dclmhq.org/2014/09/topic-avoid-working-against-god.html#.VB3KohawHIU

No Reason To Love Me?

As imperfect as I am,

He still loves me more-

Than I can comprehend;

So I take time to explore

His everlasting desire

To be in relationship

With this soul knowing…

That it goes beyond worship.

As a created being of His,

I’m not the final point-

Only God has the right

To chose those He anoints.

Though it may seem that He

Has no reason to love me,

I’m still one of His children

And my love for Him He sees.

Despite my human flaws,

I can have much success,

For I’m made in His image

With His poetic finesse.

<<Author's Note>> Loosely based on:

John 3:16; Gen 1:26-27; Jam 3:9;

1 Cor 11:7; Eph 2:10; 1 John 4:19

===By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2014, All rights reserved.===

Learn more about Joseph's poetry at:
http://amzn.to/1ffo9YZ 
 

THE TRUTH MEDIA

...building the body of Christ

A Worldly Spirit, The Worst Heresy

Text: John 15:19, 17:14-16; 1 Corinthians 2:12

In this world there are two kingdoms, contending for the master. Each kingdom has its animating spirit, in which its strength lies, by which all it does is guided, and through which it holds rule among men.

Everything we are or do derives its character and its worth in the sight of God from the spirit in which it is done. This spirit is in each kingdom, not a blind force or an unconscious tendency, but an intelligent power working towards a definite goal. The spirit of the world and the god of this world hold rule over every child of Adam. The spirit which is of God is the power of the living God, working as a divine life in the hearts of those who have received him.

The terrible sin of the fall consisted in this: that man chose the visible, that which this world offered of beauty, and enjoyment, and wisdom, in preference to the unseen, spiritual good of God’s will and favor. And the ruin and punishment of the fall is that man became subject to the power of the seen and temporal, that worldliness became a second nature to him, so that this world was nearer, and clearer to him, and affected him far more than the God of all glory and blessedness, who had created him.

However, little it may be thought or taught, the greatest danger to a child of God is from the spirit of this world secretly and unconsciously influencing his judgment and conduct. And one of his greatest needs is to have his eyes opened to see what the world and its spirit is, and how nothing can free him from it but being entirely possessed by the Spirit of God.

*** Written by Andrew Murray ***

(Excerpted from The Coming Revival, by Andrew Murray , pg. 25).

THE TRUTH MEDIA

...building the body of Christ.

Burning Spiritual Desire

Text: Psalm 119:33-40

Key verse: “Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness” (Psalm 119:36).

One day, a proud young man came to Socrates, a classical Greek Athenian philosopher, to ask for knowledge. Socrates, who easily recognized the young man’s pomposity, led him through the streets, to the sea and chest deep into water. Then, Socrates asked: “What do you want?” The young man, with a smile, replied: “Knowledge, O wise Socrates.” Socrates repeated the exercise the second and third time, but the young man still maintained: “Knowledge, O wise and wonderful.” On the fourth time, after putting him in water for fifty seconds, Socrates let him up and asked again: “What do you want?” This time, the pompous young man screeched: “Air! I need air!” Then, Socrates said: “When you want knowledge as you have just wanted air, then you will have knowledge.”

The psalmist placed himself in such a situation to seek God and His righteousness as much as he needed air. This could explain why he forgot everything else and placed righteousness as a top priority of his heartfelt desire. His heart’s desire was expressed through his petitions. He wanted to know more of God’s statutes in order to keep them unto the end. He further requested for understanding so that he could observe God’s law with his whole heart. The Lord is not interested in partial obedience. Rather, He delights in total obedience to His commandments. The psalmist also prayed for restraining grace, requesting God to turn away his eyes from beholding vanity. 


Considering the fact that “the world passes away and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abided forever,” every heaven-bound pilgrim should always pray for grace to be preserved from the pollution of this present evil world. The coming of the Lord is imminent. What is the topmost desire in your life? Are you constantly having a critical self-examination of your life? Have a burning desire to please God.

Thought For You: Devotion signifies a life given or devoted to God.

THE TRUTH MEDIA

...building the body of Christ.

Jesus Bids You To Come

Strip your soul

Of the garment of sin,

Lay it before Christ

And ask Him to come in.

The luxury of pride

Propels to a fall;

To harbour its gain,

You soon lose it all.

Arise and depart 

From your impious ways,

And come test the goodness

The Lord gives always.

Through the valley of death,

In the ocean of woes,

You stravaig without hope;

Jesus says: Only come, I'll suppress the throes.

The world cannot give

All the things that you seek,

The Lord bids you to come;

He gives strength to the weak.

Leave your past in the past

And embrace the Saviour's love;

Forsake the treasures of this world,

There's more up there with God above.

The Lord bids you to come

Dwell in His rest;

Aren't you tired of wailing

In agony's nest?

The price has been paid,

You need not to pay;

Here is an offer for you,

Dear, what do you say?

===Written by: Jacobs Adewale (Admin) ===

THE TRUTH MEDIA

...building the body of Christ.

Faith And Doubt

Text: Jeremiah 33:11-44

"I took the deed of purchase — the sealed copy containing the terms and conditions, as well as the unsealed copy — and I gave this deed to Baruch son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in the presence of my cousin Hanamel and of the witnesses who had signed the deed and of all the Jews sitting in the courtyard of the guard. In their presence I gave Baruch these instructions: "This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Take these documents, both the sealed and unsealed copies of the deed of purchase, and put them in a clay jar so they will last a long time. For this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Houses, fields and vineyards will again be bought in this land." Jeremiah 32:11-15

What a ringing testimony to the power and greatness of God! God had said the land ultimately would be restored, and this deed would be valid. Therefore, it was to be put in a safe place. That is what Jeremiah did. He sent Baruch down to the title company and had him bring a deed to be signed. He acted before witnesses, and had the witnesses sign the deed and the copy — one to be sealed in a safe deposit box, the other to be kept by Jeremiah himself and passed on to his heirs, so that eventually they might claim title to this land. He worked in this normal way, and then clearly announced the purpose of it all: "It is because God says there will be houses and fields and vineyards bought in this land again."

Faith takes no halfway measures. There is no hedging of Jeremiah's bets here, no saying to these people, "Well, I'm just buying this property on speculation, hoping it will all work out, but it's just a gamble, a shot in the dark." No, he assures them that God has spoken, and that everything he is doing is consistent with the word of God.

Later in chapter 32, another quality of faith comes in. Beginning with verse 16 and continuing through verse 25, a remarkable prayer of Jeremiah is recorded. These are Jeremiah's private thoughts about this deed. Before men this prophet is bold and resolute and confident. But before God he admits that he is not quite so sure this is all going to work out. He says to the Lord in verse 25, "And though the city will be given into the hands of the Babylonians, you, Sovereign Lord, say to me, "Buy the field with silver and have the transaction witnessed."" I am glad this account is here, because this is what we might call "the doubtings of faith."

Faith always has its doubts. I once had the impression that if you doubted, you could not have faith — that faith and doubt were contrary to one another. But I gradually began to understand that this is not true. Doubt is the proof of faith. Doubt is actually an attack upon the very faith we have. You cannot have doubts unless you have faith. Faith is the way God works, and so the enemy is bound to attack your faith immediately as he sees you beginning to act and live and walk by faith. Therefore doubts will begin to arise — as a result of Satan's attempt to overthrow your faith. There is no faith without doubts.

Jesus himself, though he always lived by faith, and everything he did was by faith, nevertheless was subjected to times of severe doubt. Otherwise he was not "one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sinning," (Hebrews 4:15 RSV). Doubt is part of the life of faith. If you are trying to walk by faith in a promise God has given you, and you are troubled by doubts, this is the proof you are really living by faith. Hang in there! Do not let your doubts overthrow you.

*** Written by Ray Stedman Ministries ***

Feel free to share and leave your comments. May the grace of the Lord be with you.

THE TRUTH MEDIA

...building the body of Christ.

Finishing Strong

Life with God is an exciting journey, and every believer is expected to finish strong. Finishing strong is finishing successfully. Finishing strong is accomplishing every assignment that God has given you. Finishing strong is completing your course. Finishing strong is continuing until the end and fulfilling your God-given purposes. Finishing strong is going against all opposition and pushing ahead until you achieve your goals. God’s desire when He called you is that you finish strong. He never planned that you stop half way. That’s why Jesus Christ advised the believer who puts his hand to the plough not to look back.

Finishing strong implies that there will be troubles on the way. It implies that there will be challenges. It implies that the devil will do everything within his power to stop you, so you don’t complete your assignment. Finishing strong speaks of you continuing until you end up at the feet of Jesus. Finishing strong is going against all odds and overcoming them. As the challenges come, you stand against them in the strength and power of the Holy Spirit. Apostle Paul, said, “....having done all to stand” (Ephesians 6:13). That is to say, at the end of the battle, you are still standing. But even if you fall, you will get back up again and continue.

Just as in boxing, when a man is knocked down, and gets up before the count of ten and ends up knocking out his opponent. You will stand against the enemy and refuse to give in to all the challenges he brings your way, holding on till the very end. Finishing strong means that if you are knocked down by the enemy, you refuse to be counted out. You just get back up and knock the devil out! So, there might be times when you hit the canvas along the way, but as long as you refuse to remain down you are going to finish strong.

However, if you allow a setback to discourage you, and you refuse to get up, then you are disqualified from the race. Yet, that is not the plan of God for you. Many of you have experienced some trials in your personal lives this year (in the course of your assignments for God). But you must look beyond the circumstances of your past and move on to finish your race with joy and great zeal. Finish strong means, “in spite of any opposition, I will continue and I will reach the finishing line.”

CHALLENGES TO FINISHING STRONG

I have broken the challenges we face from the enemy in the race of life into five “personal” categories:

(1) Personal attack • Discouragement – weakening of our zeal in an attempt to slow us down or stop us completely. Any time you discover you are losing steam, pray that it will return because you are probably under attack by the enemy. • Apathy. Spiritual indifference - in praying, studying, meditating on the word, attending services and working for God. Sometimes it is very difficult, and takes great effort to read a chapter of the Bible, pray and even go to church. This is a sign of spiritual apathy. If you ever find yourself in such a circumstance, give yourself a shake. For if you don’t you are heading for disaster. Discouragement and indifference are enemies of your faith.

 

(2) Personal troubles • Finances – business struggles; difficulty in meeting financial obligations both at home and at work; difficulty in paying bills; difficulty in paying school fees. All these things can be discouraging especially when you are fervently following and serving the Lord. This is one of the challenges we have to deal with as Christians. Nevertheless, we must keep our faith and continue to practice the covenant laws of prosperity and abundance, and God will provide the victory. Paul suffered the same thing, making many rich and yet hungry for lack of food. But the work never stopped. You can’t stop! • Marriage – marital challenges come in various forms. Prolonged single life, crisis in marriage, childlessness, unfaithfulness from spouse, and conflicts from spouse’s family. None of these must stop you. • Academics – problem with a particular course, failure of exams, conflict with a lecturer and financing of your education. • Career – problem with your job, promotion, conflict with superior or colleagues.

(3) Personal opposition • Persecution from family members, in-laws, colleagues at the office, boss, employers, neighbours, friends and associates because of your righteous stand on issues or your witness for Jesus Christ. • Envy from those who are not happy that God is favouring you more than them, so they come up with some stories about you that are not correct to run you down and create problems for you. • False accusations on things you never said or did because of your faith in the Lord and commitment to Him. All these are intended to stop you so you must not allow yourself to be tripped up by the enemy - no matter how hard he tries.

(4) Personal ignorance • Lack of knowledge of relevant truth that you need to make it in life and in ministry. Pray for the ability to discern the truth as you read and study what others have written or taught. You need to invest time to study to gain knowledge and wisdom. Many have made mistakes because they lack relevant knowledge. There is no substitute for information. Work hard to get relevant knowledge.

(5) Personal distraction • Refuse to be distracted from your calling, assignment and church. Identify what you are called to do and stay focused. Don’t allow the enemy to make you lose focus for that is the reason why many fail.

REQUIREMENTS TO FINISHING STRONG

1.) Strong faith in God. Confidence in God (the Caller) and your calling. Know your calling and believe in it. Stay on your course.

2.) Determination to finish strong and win the prize. Make up your mind to succeed. Success starts with a firm decision. If you decide, then run like one who wants to win the race. Phil 3:14 14; “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heaven ward in Christ Jesus.”

3.) Intimate relationship with God. Study God’s word. Give time to study the word daily. Have a study plan of the Bible. Be familiar with the whole Bible. Don’t just be familiar with certain portions of the Bible, but the whole Bible. Make notes of what you learn. Memorise scriptures as you study. Fellowship with the Holy Spirit through praise, prayer and meditation helps in deepening your intimacy with the Holy Spirit. Give attention to building your relationship with the Holy Spirit.

4.) Vibrant prayer life. Pray regularly in Spirit to edify yourself. Pray not only for yourself but for others. Pray regularly to remain strong, vibrant, and full of the Holy Spirit. When you notice you are becoming weak, fast and pray about it for personal revival. Remember, God wants you to complete your journey, and God wants you to finish strong. Do not allow the devil to stop you. In Christ, you are born to be a winner. Therefore, you must finish strong – in Jesus name!

Feel free to share, leave your comments and reactions. May the grace of the Lord be with you.

 

THE TRUTH MEDIA

...building the body of Christ.

Till The Whole World Knows

I'll tell to all that God is love;
For the world has never known
The great compassion of His heart
For the wayward and the lone.

Till the whole world knows,

Till the whole world knows,

I will shout and sing

Of Christ my king,

Till the whole world knows.

I'll tell of mercy's boundless tide,
Like the waters of the sea,
That covers ev'ry sin of man;
'Tis salvation full and free.

I'll tell of grace that keeps the soul,
Of abiding peace within,
Of faith that overcomes the world,
With its tumult and its din.

Eternal glory is the goal
That awaits the sons of light;
Eternal darkness, black as death,
For the children of the night.

THE TRUTH MEDIA

...building the body of Christ.