HOLDING AGAINST THE ODD

HOLDING AGAINST THE ODDS

                                                 2 CORINTHIANS 12.8-10

Today I learned that things happen when they have to happen. That giving everything does not mean that you will receive everything. That a good sowing does not mean a good harvest... That the moments are short and that's why it is necessary to enjoy them. That tears are not deserved by the one who makes you cry and that God's timing is perfect. Only I ask God to teach me tomorrow so much more than I learned today.

Every journey has a starting point - and a final destination.

‘For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And He said unto me, my grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong’.

This message is for our encouragement.

It is meant to keep us on the narrow and straight way

The pain is there and you know about it

The message is simple that until Christ’s goodness favor and love overshadows my pain and the attention I am giving there is much to be done in and with my heart

It is time our attention and concentration is trained on Jehovah the creator of both the heavens and the earth.

Acts 14; 19

The reverse is now come to play, Paul is facing persecution and then stoning

Does it mean he was not saved, speaking in tongues or even fasting and praying and walking a holy life?

If not then what is happening?

This is a pointer as to what to expect in the pursuit to living as unto God.

And like Jesus his master he was taken out of the city to be stoned.

And when satisfied he was no more they decide to leave him for the dead.

Times are coming the same will be committed to you and they will leave you thinking that you are dead, but thank Jehovah who leads us to triumph.

You shall arise up and go.

But this has to come with a price. And it the price of you faith! Are you ready to?

2TIMOTHY 3.10-11

But thou have fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions which came to me at Antioch, at I-coni-um, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes all that will a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution’

That is why the bible says that do not consider it strange when you encounter trials and temptation.

Rather count it al joy when you fall into them

It calls for a different kind of spirit, the spirit that was in either David and Daniel and Caleb.

Hi siyo spirit ya msisimko it is not momentary or seasonal

It is the spirit of a worshipper.

A spirit of truth, yes the spirit of Jesus Christ the son of the living God.

That is what we require and very urgently. We require this spirit as easily as yesterday.

That when you are left forte dead instead of the brethren taking you to the morgue they do what the disciples did.

Acts 14; 20 ‘Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

Paul never arose grudgingly neither did he swear to make sure he saw some body nor did he report them to Jesus,

The bible declares that he arose, went into the city and continued preaching the gospel.

Wewe wacha concentrating on those things distracting you

Stop the side shows; they will take you no where

People will pursue you with enmity and ill treatment

You will be subjected to penalties on ground of religious or political beliefs

Have to sow excellent seeds to have an excellent life. Must start with sowing excellent thoughts.

Mathew 10.22

‘And you shall be hated by all men for my name’s sake: but he that endures up to the end shall be saved’. The bible does not use the article will but shall.

Simply put that whosoever goes through this exercise is assured of salvation, life everlasting so to speak

Hardships is one method Jehovah uses to sharpen

They are not meant to harm us, neither are they meant to demean our dignity.

Remember what Jesus encounter and be strong beloved of the most high.

You know what; we serve a God who sees.

Remember Psalm 40.1

‘I waited patiently for the Lord and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my foot upon a rock, and established my goings. And he put a new song into my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust I the Lord.

Patience is a credible tool you will require on this journey.

It is the total affirmation of submission to Christ’s authority and rule.

Be warned you will get traffic jams and do not be tempted to drive on the wrong side of the lane

It is one thing to be a believer and another to face hardships, but my lord says where you and I ought to stand.

Philippians 1.29

‘For unto you, it is given on the behalf of Jesus Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake’.

2Timoty 4.1-5

Verse 5 but watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry.

And by the way suffering has no color or creed

Success is...knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, and sowing seeds that benefit others. 

1 Peter 4.12

‘’Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you: but rejoices in as much as you are partakers of Chris’s sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy’’.

Colossians 1.24

‘’Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body‘s sake, which is the church’’.

Be prepared to suffer for preaching the gospel

Perseverance is the temperature gauge that indicates you are a salvation material.

How long are you able to hold under such circumstances?

Believe it, Act it and Live it!