THE RACE FOR THE CROWN (PART 4 OF 6)

21st NOVEMBER 2022

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” – 2 Timothy 4:7-8

If we are not humble in learning to follow the right paths; we definitely will be forced on the right track someday. Tests and trials are forceful ways we are made to learn the lessons of life contained in the word of God, thereby forcing us to bow in obedience to His commands. Again, this is one reason Paul tells us, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (I Peter 4:12–13). Yes, we are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, BUT in the process, we are made strong by the power of His resurrection, His blood, and our oneness with Christ.  Therefore, we shall always overcome, PROVIDED we are ready to accept the destiny and the lessons that bring us closely aligned with Christ.

The question then arises, ‘what does God want from me at this point in my life? A time of trial is a time for reflection. This is a time to evaluate what we are called to do as children of God so we can mature into Christhood!

When we aligned with Christ, His nature becomes our nature, and being illumined by His divine Spirit, we shed our old moral weaknesses, thereby revealing our inner and outer beauty, radiating the undying love of God to ALL! The beauty of the crown is not just a heavenly bound experience, but the joy and fulfilment that comes to us in life when we become less unperturbed by the allurement that leads us astray and having wholly mastered the tricks of the devil, your very presence makes the devil powerless!

 PRAYER

 Father in the name of Jesus Christ, I thank you for this infirmity and travails; I ask for thy grace to overcome the vicissitudes confronting me. Father, I know that you have permitted this trial to occur. Therefore, I purge myself of all moral weaknesses, and I declare that the power of the Holy Spirit sanctifies me. I bear no grudge against anyone. I freely forgive all those who wronged me. Therefore, I am free from every bondage of ill health, emotional trauma and psychological prison. From this moment onward, I overcome every inner and outer void standing between me and fulfil your plan and purpose. I am victorious, and I remain a conqueror. Thank you, father, for giving me a new life. AMEN.

FURTHER READING:  Romans 5:3–5; Hebrews 5:8; Matthew 19:21.