Reality of life, victory through Christ

Once you become a Christian, does this mean everything will become bright and sunny instantly? Does this mean all bad things in your life will suddenly disappear? Is it like seeing the world through rose-colored glasses? Skipping and hopping your way into heaven?

Last Wednesday in GLC I was able to realize that though all of these may seem somehow true, it also entails a lot of things. I agree with what the speaker said that being a Christian involves struggles. Because now you are turning your back on the life that you used to have. And yet there would be the itch of wanting to go back to what is normal to you.

Now you want to realign yourself with His original design for you. As you realize the gravity of His love for us - His passion and His sacrifice, you become acquainted with wanting to bringing glory to God every time.

Your conviction now is stronger than before. You become watchful of yourself and you think twice before doing. You are struggling to overcome your natural sinful self. It means standing up for what is right, swallowing the bitter pill of your pride, humbling yourself, being the servant of many, and all at the same time realizing your true desire.

As His disciple you are pushing yourself to be MORE for Him. It is the urgency to stretch your character and triumph over the temptation and the tendency to sin.

Although there may be an inner battle, you lift these up and trust in the grace of Christ because the reality is we can never be victorious on our own will. We are weak, sinful people. But in our weakness, all the more you will see how He is moving in your life.

It may be difficult to remain true  to your commitment. It is normal. Every trial is part of any commitment. But as Pastor Peter said yesterday, nobody committed to follow Christ and regretted it. It may even be the best thing that you have ever done for yourself and in your lifetime.

The reality of sin and the reality of life may hit you hard but suddenly everything becomes sunny and bright. It is because you know that enduring these struggles, you are molded and perfected, lacking in nothing (James 1:4). Ultimately, you know that through Christ we are saved, and we are able to receive eternal life.

In the end it was never between you and them..

"People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, People may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, They may be jealous; Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway." - Mother Teresa

Tidbit of the Day: He himself will be with me... Deuteronomy 31:23

This morning as I walked towards my station, I saw my co-worker Brian hunched on his seat and fussing about. Curious as I was, I asked him what he was busy with. Then he showed me a little square box that contained paper pieces of inspiring Bible verses. I'm really not a fan of bible cutting and choosing verses randomly but for whatever reason, he offered me to pick one and I did. On the little brown and square paper I picked it said...

 

"Be brave and steadfast... I myself will be with you" - Deuteronomy 31:23

I asked him what it could possibly mean. He jokingly said that I'd probably know by lunch time.  OK then. But 12 Noon passed and nothing really came up. I looked up the full verse on the net and here is what it said.

 

"Then the LORD commissioned Joshua, son of Nun, and said to him, "Be brave and steadfast, for it is you who must bring the Israelites into the land which I promised them on oath. I myself will be with you." - Deuteronomy 31:23

This led me then to read the whole chapter that consisted of this Bible verse. To summarize chapter 31, Moses was already about to die and the Lord was giving out final orders. Due to a sin that Moses committed, he wouldn't be able to see the promised land. So the Lord commissioned Joshua, son of Nun to lead the Israelites into this place. Strength and courage was required for Joshua to be able to carry out this huge task and responsibility. But the Lord is true to His word. In this verse He assured Joshua that He himself will be with His loyal servant as they walk into the promised land.  

 

I suddenly remembered what I read last night in Hebrews 6:16-20 which reaffirms the certainty of God's promise. God's word is alive and active today and everything He says is true.

 

What I got from all these then is that when God tells us to do something that may seem too big for us to comprehend, or too big for us to accomplish on our own - something beyond our capabilities, we should remain strong and steadfast because God himself will be with us. There is no need to fear or worry that we may be too little, or too weak, or too unequipped because we desire to live God's will and nothing else should matter, He is true to His promise - He guarantees His presence and His strength most especially in our biggest weaknesses...

 

Now that I've thought about it, there are a lot of times that I know I should do what I have to but I don't have the courage to push through. But keeping this verse to heart, I know that I would be able to do things unimaginable, things that I know I myself could not do in a million years even if I wanted to. The Lord is great, His might incomprehensible, He is my fortress and He is true. God indeed finds ways how to communicate these with me - whether it be in random verses or whatnots - and for me to be able to share these with you.

 

So let us trust in and live faithfully to God's leading in our lives, let Him be your strength as He is mine. And know that He is ALWAYS with you.