Jumping the Gun

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus"- Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV).

One of the most stressful moments of a race is waiting for the starting gun to sound. You are in the starting position, not moving. You appear still, but inside your muscles are flexed, your heart is beating strong, your senses are keenly searching for the signal, the sound, to run. You don't dare move before the sound or you have "jumped the gun." Being still is harder than it looks, but God asks us to wait, to not jump the gun (Psalm 46:10). We don't want to move forward on our own, because then it depends on our human will and exertion. No, as Christians we want to move on God's will and in His power (Romans 9:16). In our race, for the imperishable crown, and we are all running this race, we have to exercise self-control in all things or we run aimlessly: and lack of discipline can disqualify you (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). On your mark, get set...wait for the signal.

The Struggle

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose"- Romans 8:28 (NIV).

When Terry and I applied for the adoption of our first daughter, we didn't really have the funds for a private adoption. We felt pretty sure we could save it during the time we waited, which we were told could be a couple of years. We applied in June. A friend gave me a bag of baby clothes and I spread them out on the guest bed, so we could go in and look at them while we waited. Three months later, September, people broke into our home and robbed us. They took everything they could get their hands on, including bedding, our clothes, even the food in our freezer. Everything, that is,except the baby things. We felt so violated and filing the insurance was exhausting. The next month, October, we got the call that a baby was on the way, due to be born in March. Guess where the money came from for the adoption? Not only did we still have the baby items, but now we had the money; money we wouldn't have had if we hadn't been robbed. We welcomed Rebecca on March 6, nine-months from the date we applied. We couldn't see it in the midst of the struggle, but God had worked everything to the good. Praise the Lord!   

Putting It Together

"The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God"- Psalm 14:2 (NIV).

My grandson was intent on putting that plastic Easter egg together, but his hands couldn't quite fit it together. It wasn't going to happen because he had the tops of two different eggs. After enough tries, I attempted to show him, but was rebuffed. He even turned his back on me, intent on doing it himself. He hadn't asked for my help and didn't want it when offered. How many times do we struggle, instead of seeking God's help before making decisions, choosing courses of action or the words we will speak? I was willing to help my grandson, because I love him. God loves us infinitely more and sits waiting for us to seek Him. My grandson, in total frustration, finally came to me for help. His ordeal lasted longer than it needed to last, but I was still willing to pull out two bottom halves of eggs to show him. God is looking down; looking for those who have come to the understanding that we should, need to, seek Him. He can help us put it together.

Test of Faith

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength"- Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV).

You prefer plenty and being well fed, but you should also meet the less bountiful days with joy. It's a test of faith. The testing of our faith produces steadfastness, which once in effect, transforms you, completes you, so that you are lacking nothing. Don't lose heart. Though your outer body wastes away, your inner self is being renewed day by day. These light momentary afflictions are preparing for you for an eternal glory that is beyond comprehension (2 Corinthians 4:16-17). Paul learned the secret of being content through it all. He realized he could endure whatever his circumstances by having faith in Jesus. It is Christ who gives the strength. Have faith that He is with you; He alone will uphold you with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

Glory Restored

"I looked up and there before me was a Man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around His waist. His body was like topaz, His face like lightning, His eyes like flaming torches, His arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and His voice like the sound of a multitude"- Daniel 10:5-6 (NIV).

Jesus gave up glory and position to come and suffer for us, to redeem us and call us His own. Reread today's Scripture and picture the Lord: Breathtaking; Dazzling; Immeasurably Beautiful. How did Daniel find the words to describe the Lord as he saw him? But Jesus gave up that glory to take on the appearance Isaiah prophesied about: Many would be appalled at Him, His appearance so disfigured, beyond that of any human being and His form marred beyond human likeness (52:14). Jesus, on earth, had no beauty or majesty that would attract us to Him; nothing that we would make us desire Him (53:2). But following his passion and Crucifixion, John's vision was of the resurrected Christ. He had been restored to His former glory: "and among the lampstands was Someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to His feet and with a golden sash around His chest. The hair on His head was white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like blazing fire." His feet are, once again, like bronze glowing in a furnace, and His voice again sounds like rushing waters (Revelation 1:13-15). That's the Jesus we will see when our time comes. Be prepared to be breathless, dazzled and in total awe of His glory.