A Change Worth Remembering (Ep.2)
A Change Worth Remembering (Ep.2)
"He's going to give you double for your trouble" - referenced from the story of Job in the Holy Bible
God notes our surrender. His gratitude is expressed through the movement of mountains. While He allowed the mountain to find residence in Job's life, He also secured a spirit of newness. A refreshing beginning emerged. Not that the previous one was terrible, nor that his loved ones will not be remembered. But God restored to Job what he had, and it increased. Job not only stayed loyal to God, but he also served as a witness to the unfailing love and commitment God has toward us. He also grew in his faith. The changes forced him to level up in his witness. Yes, he complained and was perplexed by the situation but he had an opportunity to see just how God viewed his stand for the God he served. The double he received was more than just tangible items. The inner man of Job also reaped a wonderful portion of the increase. That’s the best part of this change. I am sure, that’s what he remembers most. We must not forget our hardships. There are many that we create on our own, however, there are some that are set-ups for God's Will and Glory.
Each of us has a change worth remembering. Gordana Biernat, a Croatian writer, wrote: “When YOU choose to change, your reality must change accordingly. It simply has no other choice.” The experiences we've endured account for the changes we've made, whether they were voluntary or involuntary. When I think about these experiences I see a visual of the cross. That grand cross Jesus occupied for the sins of the world. On that Ole Rugged Cross, Jesus provided an opportunity for us to change. What a glorious opportunity! As we commit to this life-changing decision, we accept the weight of the cross. These hindrances, these ole, heavy burdens required a forever resting place. Just as the Lord Jesus Christ covered the burden of sin for you and me, so too must we bear our own cross. Our lives tell a story of the essence of reconciling with God. That choice, of course, is up to us. The path to redemption begins as we make the conscious decision to become the man or woman God designed us to be. Every one of us has the decision to make. We experience a transformation of our hearts and minds that leads us to a life of peace and joy. Attaining our cross is an act of obedience and apology.
Luke 9:23
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Denying oneself has consequences. However, denying self is part of our spiritual journey. This act of obedience is not easy. While it was amazing to be presented as upright before Satan, Job may have asked not to be presented as such had he known what he would have endured. Throughout his test, Job kept asking questions about why he was experiencing such travail. Job’s faith remained strong despite the pain and suffering he experienced. He remained loyal to God and in the end was rewarded for his obedience and faith. His story serves as a reminder that God rewards those who remain committed to Him, even amid trials. Like Job, there is a firm foundation on which we stand. We can trust that "the foundation of God standeth sure..." (2 Timothy 2:20a). This foundation rejects the work of the world and its falsehoods. The world cannot comprehend it without believing in Christ. Like Job, those who build on this foundation bear God's seal and acknowledge Christ as Lord over their lives (2:20b). Will you depart from such falsehoods? We must examine ourselves daily to ensure we are not attached to this world's ideologies! We must strive daily to stay un-entangled from evil.
Matthew 7:24
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
While we cannot pay God for our sins, we can acknowledge responsibility for our choices. We can accept that we were born into sin and shaped with iniquity. And while we feel we are good people (“…but, I’m a good person…”), we have a responsibility to refute evil and to do that which is good. To do good is to give beyond what is comfortable. It’s the very act of denying ourselves and going beyond for the ultimate agenda. Not too many a keen on such stressful intentions today. I’m not giving you flattery here. I’ll admit (exhale) it takes a lot! But I believe that the Lord gives us strength to perform it. As in Luke 6:35, “love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil” (KJV). We can show our Lord that we are willing to rise up and take courage like good soldiers. The love that Christ gives is the action of doing good. We must love as Christ loved us.
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
The trial of Job presents the obligation of long-suffering. Love is long-suffering. The Lord is looking for a people who love with the heart of God. Are you willing to do that? Can you love like Christ? We all can do it but do we? He wants to present us as honorable and upright. Just like in biblical times, the Lord wishes to pitch you to the masses. The introduction Satan received about Job was a recommendation hard-earned. While Job faced a mountain no one would ever wish for, “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37). Each of us has a mountain we must bear. During this season, our character is developed because life continues. Let's love beyond the struggle. Job showed an increased love for his friends in turmoil. His love for God was stronger than what he felt in his body. And his love for his friends grew during a season they could not understand. Think about your life. Can you see yourself?
Galatians 5:22-25
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Christ is looking for a host of believers that will withstand the attacks. 2 Timothy 2:3 instructs us to "endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (KJV). As we continue, the burden increases. And as it becomes heavier for a bit, the load eventually lightens. We possess the strength and know-how to continue our journey steadily.
1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
As I bring this post to a close, I want to encourage you to change for the good of God’s plan. I know that makes no sense at times, however, we were created to honor God. Our duty is to transform and show the enemy that he has no authority over God’s children. Each of us has the opportunity to assert our authority in this land for the greater good. I am sold out to this life of surrender. It’s not easy, but I see every day the example of rejecting Christ. His way is the best way. There is a just plan created by God that requires our willingness to forgo our desires and wants for a better way. So, this is my invitation to you:
If you need a church home or need to talk with someone as you endure changes in your life you can come to or call…
Grace Apostolic Church at 4417 Dix Street, NE Washington, DC 20019
(202) 399-7774 | gacmediateam@gmail.com | https://www.graceapostolicchurch.net/pray
Calling all the #prayer warriors out there.
Elder Willie Hines Jr. of #Spartanburg, SC is hosting a Prayer Conference: #HigherGround this September.
Join us for #prayer, #leadership, and #accountability to the clarion call. Register at www.iopconference.com and use CODE: IOP50
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