Apostle Paul by the inspiration of the Spirit penned these inspiring words “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Nothing else matters when we become born again. We prioritize doing the Master’s will above all. This includes taking care of yourself and your family (3 John 1:2). As you work out your faith, there will be distractions. Myriads of distractions will come from within yourself, as well as from your family, job, friends, environment, and habits. Some distractions may come from within your church family, and others from the chief distracter himself, the devil, and his agents. Stay the course no matter the degree of distraction. Remember, it is a fight of faith, and you have already won (1 John 4:4. All you need to do is to continue the victory walk until the end. The King is coming soon. Stay the course.
There are gathering clouds in the days we live in and ahead. The clouds will not destroy you. Their soul aim is to get you to take your eyes off the Master. But keep your focus on Jesus through his word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Never look unto any man. Men may inspire, stand, or fail, but Jesus alone is the indisputable foundation and the perfect example of the consummate man. Never grow weary or discouraged about your faith, even when friends, family, or leaders around you fail. Pray for them, encourage them but stand strong!
We can glean some wisdom nuggets from the life of Joshua. Joshua was faced with the task of leading Israel into the promised land after the death of Moses. Joshua could have been distracted so the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide:
“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. …. I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, … “Be strong and very courageous…Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:1-7, NIV)
It is remarkable how many times God instructed Joshua to be strong and courageous in the scriptures above. Notice that he had to have a certain mind-set of courage and fearlessness to succeed, and God was making sure He got this one thing right. Observe that God did not ask Joshua to pray for or ask for courage, fearlessness, or encouragement. He plainly told Joshua to be courageous, fearless, studious, and encouraged. Why did God ask him to be courageous? Because Joshua will be opposed, distracted, and sometimes saddened or dismayed by the forces stacked against Him.
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Though God spoke to and encouraged Joshua, it was his responsibility to be what God wanted him to be. Imagine what God would have said if after His instructions, Joshua then held a seven day fast for courage, strength, fearlessness, encouragement, and grace! I believe He would have given Joshua the same answer He gave Moses before the red sea; “…The Lord said to Moses, Why do you cry to Me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward!..” Exodus 14:16 AMP
As we gradually see the day of the Lord approach, the kingdom of darkness will increasingly cause mayhem, disruptions, and chaos. We will increasingly see or hear rumours of war, witness the deep state test policies, technologies and laws that will not stand now but will come into full force after the rapture. Like Joshua, be courageous. Be not dismayed. Be focused on what the Lord has asked you to do. Prepare for his coming. Win souls, sponsor the gospel and intercede in prayer for the souls of men. The King is coming!
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
