As we roll through our first week in 2017, probably many New Year Resolutions have been made. As per usual, some will last for a while, and then drift away and soon be forgotten. Those who persevere however, will have good, life changing, results.
When Christ taught the parable of sowing seed, (the word)Luke 8:11) on different ground as we see in (Luke 8: 5-15), He explained good results came from sowing on good ground, and from perseverance. He said, “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart who hear the word, retain it and by perseverance produce a crop.” He had said the crop would yield a hundred times more than what was sown. (Luke 8:8)
The Holy Spirit taught us through the letter from James saying, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature, and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4) Please read that verse again. Let perseverance do its work.
Jesus persevered when He was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be tempted by the devil after He was baptized, declared to be the Son of God, and covered by the Holy Spirit and prepared for His Ministry. In every temptation He went to the Word, and stood firm on the truth of it until the tempter left Him..”Then the devil left Him, and angels came and attended Him.” (Matt 4: 1-11)
As James declared, consider it pure joy whenever you face various trails. That means as you believe, and persevere in the truth, and do not doubt or be double minded, (James 1:6), great things are headed your way when the the accuser is defeated through your standing on the Word, and he moves on. “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because when they have stood the test , they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12)
Of course we do not want constant trials, but let us not be afraid if one comes into our lives. Victory is always ours in Christ Jesus. Let us rejoice and be glad in any trail because the final result is going to be great for us. We can count on the fact that the great I Am, will turn it into our good.(Romans 8:28)
I Love you, Abundant Life Family. May you be blessed with perfect health, and may you prosper in all good things. May you walk by faith, and not by sight.
Poppa B.