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For the Joy
by Chris Umeweni In the game of football, only the one with the ball heading for the goal post is being attacked by the opponents. Same applies to us in our daily walk with God in fulfilling our destinies. The bible says the devil has no other business than to steal, kill and destroy. This he does by bringing various persecutions, pains, regrets and trials our way. He never gives up on anyone because he knows his time is short. It is little wonder the bible talking about the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness after the 40 days and night fasting said, And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season (Luke 4:13). He only left to come back. He knows focused Christians who know who they are, are so much loaded and cannot be easily moved. When a Christian fails to know why he is on earth; that is to say if he has no vision for life, he can easily be tossed to and fro by the devil. He becomes easily disturbed by the wiles and pressures of the devil and may easily fall prey to him. Joseph, son of Jacob in the bible knew that one day nations would bow down to him. This actually became the driving force of his life and made him cling unto God against all plans of the devil to tarnish his lifes goal. Men who know who they are and where they are going cannot be moved by circumstances, because they believe Psalm 46:1, 2 that says, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. Such Christians give praises to God at all times thereby making the devil mad! For such Christians, they know Gods time is the best and though the vision tarries, it must surely come to pass. They know they will live to fulfill the number of their days. They know that with their existence, they will save many people alive. Therefore in their business, when it seems there is retrogression, they go into their rooms, think more on the past blessings of God than the present failures and lavish God with praises. Even when they have lost a dear one, they never curse God because they know their hope is not in this world. When it seems their mates have gone ahead of them in the affairs of life, they dont hurry God; rather they patiently thank Him for being the pilot of their lives. They always know they are different. Such Christians have made Jesus their role model in life. They have their gaze on no other than looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who FOR THE JOY that was set before him ENDURED the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2 emphasis mine). They have vowed in life that come what may, they will never bow to the devils plans even if it will cost their lives. All these they do for the joy that one day, they will lift up their heads high and smile because surely, their light will come. They know that Kings and the whole world will one day seek for what they carry. Beloved, it may take days, months or even years for this joy to come into reality but when it comes, it will sure wipe away every sweat and tears you experienced while waiting. Consider Joseph, son of Jacob who was sold into slavery at a tender age of 17. From that age to the age of 30, he endured persecutions, hardships, betrayal, rejection, trials and pains (all for a period of 13 years). But from the age of thirty, he started reigning till he died at 110 years of age (that is to say he reigned for 80 years). Hallelujah! Jesus Christ, our role model knew that one day all He was going through will turn out to reaping multitude of souls for Gods Kingdom. Now He sits at the Fathers right hand of Power. Oh, what a joy! An Evangellist cum Author http://www.chrisumeweni.com Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |