Dear…
‘Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.’
Romans 12:13
‘..not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.’
Romans 12:11
‘…rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.’
Romans 12:12
The days that we are most desirous to do the will of God, seems also to be the days that you would be most challenged. And often, in the midst of savoring the joy of doing the will of God, we can also be rudely awakened by unexpected challenges, that threaten not just our recent joy, but our very desire to continue to do what we believe God is leading us to.
‘In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.’
1 Peter 1:6-7
God knows our imperfections, He knows that we live in an imperfect world that might not appreciate our desire to be like Christ, and clearly, the forces of evil will not be sitting still watching you being used by the Lord our God to free many from the devil’s grip.
But why does God, Who is Sovereign, not fully shelter us, but allow us to continue to go through storms, much as we have truly been trying to stay the course?
‘For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.’
Ephesians 2:10
As I struggle today with the weight of my ministry, I took an even harder look at the 3 verses above, from Romans 12, which have been hovering round my time spent with the Lord these past few days. Doing a quick stock take, I will more than before, confidently tick off Romans 12:13 and Romans 12:11 with confidence. But what about Romans 12:12?
With our finite minds, and often insatiable needs, most of us would have longings, which often lead us to much angst and frustration, as we see no conclusion to what we desire. As a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, the things we hope for will no longer be the same as what the once carnal us desire. But hope aligned with God’s will does not necessary mean immediate attainment nor the way we perceive. Would we also degenerate to the same sense of angst and frustration as a non follower of Christ, or can we truly learn to come unto the presence of God, and learning to let go and let Him and as His Spirit reassures us, we will use our waiting time wonderfully in His work, and with joy, while awaiting patiently for what we hoped for?
‘But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.’
Ephesians 2:13
The Malay Kris, a lovely dagger with wavy blades, if used with ill intent, not just leave a dent in one’s body, if you happened to be stabbed, but as the dagger is pulled out from your blood stained body, the wavy edges ensure that quite a few things are brought out at the same time. Pretty hideous it is, but it serves its purpose. Many of us who desire to lead others to the faith know that we often not just get rejected, but the source of our interest is likely to go on the offensive with us. It is natural, for the natural instinct is to react to threats to one’s comfort zone. And the devil will definitely goad the present child of his bondage to resist any attempts to free them from their bondage. Can we still rejoice in hope, but also be patient when doing good, when to do so meant that one has to take pain?
‘…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.’
Hebrews 12:1-2
‘Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.’
Revelation 2:10
Christ led by example. He knew the greater purpose of God. He relied upon God, as exemplified by his time in prayers, in all circumstances.
The last segment of Romans 12:12 talks about “steadfastness in prayers.” And indeed, prayers must replace our senses, always. The natural man in us tend to question, rationalize, ponder, react and the whole gamut of emotional responses to our circumstances. God wants us to always look to Him in prayers first, to take time with Him, to know His will, to rest in Him and to move from His very leading. We must first submit to God, then can we resist the devil. For God’s purpose is to make us ready for eternity with Him, while the devil’s intent is to bring you into damnation.
‘So I perceived that nothing is better than that a man should rejoice in his own works, for that is his heritage. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?’
Ecclesiastes 3:22
‘I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives.’
Ecclesiastes 3:12
In closing, Pastor Rick Warren author of the “Purpose Driven Life” in an interview shared about life being like a railroad track(see attached). We will have joy yet problems running parallel our lives. It is what we choose to focus on. It is like the five loaves and two fish, do we look at what more we should have, or should we not just be thankful for what God has provided, but also move further into the question of what would God want us to do with it?
Should our lives be one of pleasing God, with the comfort that eternity is ours and God is Sovereign. Or should we continue to labor under the weight of our worldly needs, knowing full well that to continue to do so can only end in further grief?
‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.’
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(22nd April 2010)
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