A reminder for
today
Are they servants of
Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have
worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without
number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish
leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods.
Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night
and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have
faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own
people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the
cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who
claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring
many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone
without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me
warm. (2 Corinthians 11:23-27)
I thought I will give you this passage from 2 Corinthians
where Paul writes about all his challenges that he faced. We go through many
hard times on our journey but when you read this it somehow feels that the Lord
has spared me from a lot of pain. What kept Paul going despite his
difficulties? Paul found his true identity in Jesus and this set him apart
from the rest. You see Jesus came down to this earth in human form so that He
can be tempted just as we are and so that He can go through hard times just as
we are. He was there when Adam and Eve was made in God’s image. He is here now
and He is forever. We are made in His image which means our identity is based
on Him. He chose us before we chose Him. Jesus knew that when God created the
earth, He would come down and that He would give His life for us. So we are not
born in sin as so many try and tell us. We are born free in Him and when we
take on His identity we become the full person we need to be. I believe that
God wants to use you and I believe that there are great things still waiting
on your journey. If Paul could face all those troubles and still followed Jesus
with a joyful praising heart, then we can do the same. So despite our hard
ships we should continue to live our lives for Him. Our determination will
affect other and in turn they will affect other so that a massive ripple effect
is made that will consume the world and lead many people back to God.
So today I want you to change your identity and identify yourself in Jesus as you are love by Him in grace and mercy. You are set free
and you and can live free despite your troubles. Give your heart to Jesus and
let us live out His way of life. Let us humble ourselves and follow His voice. Let
us reveal His great love to all around us.
Lord, your are my God and in you I seek my identity. Let me
become more like you and let me be your vessel of light so that I will shine in
the darkness for those lost. In Jesus name.
Have an awesome day dear friend of Jesus.
Cheers
