You know those days when you are rudely awakened by life? You thought things were headed in one direction but now there is a chasm in that picture and you’re sucked back into a reality that seems to mock your hope. It’s as if your circumstances turn into a cartoon character and they stand in your face jeering you. But then God enters in. In a moments time He whispers, “Don’t forget Me, I’ve got you”. I treasure those moments. When uncertainty is raging and people disappoint, He is still God. How can we, His people, have more of those moments?
Live passionately following God and love one another, even your enemies. As Christians we are not given the gift of salvation and the power of the Living God so that we can hit “auto pilot” and coast through life. When you begin to chase after His plans for your life, you will cause discomfort in others. People will talk about you being a “cliff jumper” and a risk taker as they shuffle back and forth in the land of complacency wondering why they are confused. You may be called reckless, they may even lie about your circumstances but don’t forget, YOU’RE IN GOOD COMPANY. Scratch that, YOU’RE IN GOD’S COMPANY.
Don’t forget Who was mocked and scorned before you. If you serve the Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, don’t expect your faith in action to be embraced by fellow Christians. It’s radical, I know but it’s true. In His greatest hour, the defining moment in all of human history, Christ’s plan for our salvation meant that He was left abandoned by those who claimed Him as Messiah. Don’t forget that the cross roads of your life will cause people to act foolish. They will leave you, pretend not to know you and look away in shame. But beloved, don’t forget Who you stand for and Who you serve. He is with you always. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He has called you to lay down your self, sometimes even your reputation and serve at the pleasure of the One and only, King of Kings!
- John 15:18 “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.”
- 1 John 3:13 “So don’t be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.”
- 1 Corinthians 1:28 “God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.”
- 1 Corinthians 3:18 “Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise.”
- James 4:17 “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”
- Colossians 4:1 “Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master-in heaven.”
- 1 Peter 4:12-14 “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”
