Philippians 1:9-11 " And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."
Today's blog is about this journey that we are on called life. Do you ever wish that who you are now in Christ is who you were from the start or a long time ago? Knowing God is always by our side every step of the way is a comforting promise that we need to rely on through our entire lives. Whether we are scared by the monster under the bed, the first day of school or work, or surviving our last days..we need to rely on His presence with us. "No matter how scary our journey may feel today or how hopeless our future may look, the assurance of His never-failing presence can provide us with the courage and comfort to make it through. And best of all, when this short life is over, we will always be with Him."
Life can be hard, but one day when we see Christ it will truly get better! "Adversity can be painful, but the Lord uses it to further His purposes and equip us for His plan. What is He trying to teach you in the midst of your trials? Are you cooperating with Him? Remember, even Jesus suffered in order to fulfill God’s redemptive purpose (Matt. 16:21..From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.). [intouch.org]
"We might not be able to see how our experiences with God change us over time, and our transformation will definitely not be as physically apparent as Moses’s beaming face. But as we spend time with God and surrender our lives to Him more and more each day, we can reflect His love. God can draw others closer to Him as the evidence of His presence shows in and through us." [ odb.org]
Charles Spurgeon said: “May we live here like strangers and make the world not a house, but an inn, in which we sup and lodge, expecting to be on our journey tomorrow.”
Founder of 'Campus Crusade for Christ', Bill Bright commented: “Knowing that heaven is our real home makes it easier to pass through the tough times here on earth. I have taken comfort often in the knowledge that the perils of a journey on earth will be nothing compared to the glories of heaven.”
As for myself, I have relied on God's presence, promises, and providence throughout my life from an early age. I've had many thoughts and moments in my journey where I wondered if 'Is this my time to go be with God?' Surgeries, scary mishaps, or dangerous foolish events have put me in a position to make me affirm my relationship with God. I encourage you to assure yourself and others that you are right with God, as your Lord and Savior, if you were called Home tomorrow.
James 4:14
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.