11th NOVEMBER 2019
“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place”. – 2 Corinthians 2:14
There is this old song that touches me so much, it is titled; “I have decided to follow Jesus”. The very third stanza of the song goes thus: “The world behind me, the cross before me. No turning back, no turning back.” This simple song tells us that come what may, a Christian ought to advance steadily to our heavenly home. Notwithstanding earthly challenges posed to make us fall by the wayside. This same attitude should apply to all our earthly endeavors. For example, see how Moses led the Israelites from Egypt to the promised land; I cannot help, but to salute his courage and determination to succeed despite prevailing obstacles. Apostle Paul also fought several spiritual and physical battles in order to help us focus on the Christian faith, which we all enjoy today. In the end, Paul says in 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Also, when Jesus Christ, finished his mission, he says; “It is finished”. He completed the race. Like Jesus and Paul, are we able to confront every obstacle gallantly and say at the end, ‘it is finished’? Some of the things we fear in life rarely happens, and even if they do, they usually come and go living us to continue with the race of life. What then happens? You must be courageous to pick up the bits and pieces leftovers and move on. Beloved, you will always come out stronger no matter what happens. This is because we have His grace which is sufficient for us. So many of us today are experiencing a constant fight, challenges of the world, the flesh and the devil against our beliefs in the promises of God held out for us in the scriptures, and, if we’re honest, some days, we don’t feel like we’re winning at all. In fact, some days defeat feels certain. Beloved, remember that our journey in life must necessarily curve into the wilderness, for the promised land lies ahead of the wilderness, in the same direction. You cannot reach the promised land without going through the wilderness. But that is not to say that there is no survival for you in the wilderness. Jesus reminded us clearly that we would meet with tribulations and persecution, but we shall overcome because He had already conquered the world.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
What this simply means is that, when trouble comes your way, you must hold on to Jesus, the bread of life that comes from heaven. He will feed you till your hunger is completely quenched no matter your problems! The word of God is telling us today to stand firm in the Lord, notwithstanding obstacles posed by our dwindling faith, failures, mistakes and other works of the devil. Jesus Christ is always there for us when unbelief sets it, and we are suffocated by the problems of life. We are called to put on the full armor of God, get up by His grace and be ready to endure every situation. Remember, God through Christ always leads us in a triumphal procession so that we may not grow weary or fainthearted. Beloved, what promises of God can you cling to right now as you face your challenges in life? Hold onto them and pray these promises into your life today. Do not be deterred by the tricks of the devil that says you cannot make it for one reason or the other. Remember, NO turning back!
PRAYER
Father in the name of Jesus Christ, today I declare your plan and purpose for me are established, and your word concerning me is written and established. Therefore, I decree everything concerning me is perfect according to thy word. AMEN
FURTHER READING: Ephesians 6:10-20