Ahead Finally

A friend of mine called to share about the wonderful turn at his new job; a job that had been frustrating, demeaning, unfair, brutal at times, was now giving him a promotion. Joy reached through his voice as the payoff of good work finally was credited to him. His labors had reached their climax and gained attention of the higher ups: he is now going to gain the pleasure of increased benefits, honor, and more control of his destiny. Is the spiritual life ever similar?

Absolutely, anyone who has served God wholeheartedly for an extended period of time knows the joys of spiritual promotion. At some point God has heard enough prayers and He answers a major prayer. After an extended period of working upon some Christian virtue, the strength of Christ lifts us up and we share the joy of self discipline. Much time may pass, but those who unwaveringly share Christ share total joy in seeing an unbelievers heart melt and experience Christ.

One may ask themselves is it worth it to follow the Savior, but anyone asking that question must answer the following questions. First, have I followed Him long enough to gain the first prize? Secondly, if I have followed Him long enough to gain the first prize, have I sat around and meditated on how good it was to receive that first prize. Lastly, maybe I have received from the hand of the Lord, but somewhere along the way I have dropped off following Him and have decided to go other places for fulfillment: no wonder then fulfillment isn't coming from God.

We are told that patience mandatory (Romans 5:3) but do we know why? God created time to begin with, so He likes the idea of it, and we just have to deal with that. Problem is our flesh doesn't like the time issue, but a right spirit in us, doesn't really have a problem with waiting. A right spirit, filled in Christ can wait, it can endure, it can persevere, because it is content with Christ. Not just content with waiting on blessings from Him, but content in Him. Patience itself is actually a joy, being able to wait without any negative apprehensions.