Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Listen to “Thoughts in Worship 09.05.2017” on Spreaker.
This is devotional thought number 74 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is: What Should I Do With Doubt?
Here’s the question for consideration: What will be the consummation of this daily growth if I continue until the end?
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7–8).
Do not give up! We are almost there!
How often do you think about Jesus coming back to get you. Yes, I did say He’s coming to get you. Would you say you think about it once per day? How about multiple times per day; do you think about Him returning multiple times per day? Maybe you’re a once in a while sort of person. Well, regardless of your answer, Jesus is coming; and soon! How does that make you feel?
Most of us are familiar with the rigor of preparing to go on vacation, relocate, get a new job, or earn a diploma/degree. We do all we can to succeed. We save money, book flights, study for exams, reserve moving vans. Why? We do what we need to, because we want to experience the fullness of our desired outcome. We seldom allow doubt to defeat us, even if it temporarily gets us down. We don’t allow deadlines to keep us from accomplishing our goals, even if we have been guilty of serial procrastination. Do we the same, or more, when it comes to seeing the King when He comes?
Complete Surrender of Faith
One of the things I appreciate about the apostle Paul is that he did not lack confidence. Yes, he was self-abnegating due to his former pride and self-confidence, but he placed 100% of his newfound faith and trust in God. When difficulties assailed him, he surrendered to God. When he was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, blinded, and imprisoned, he surrendered to God. When he preached successful sermons, convinced philosophers of the “unknown God,” and mysteriously walked out of prisons, he surrendered to God.
It was this complete surrender that was the key to his fight. He fought the good fight of faith, knowing that the weapons of his warfare were not earthly. He understood that he was to be fully clad with the armor of light, faith, righteousness, prayer, salvation, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we can get that memo, we, too, will have confidence in Christ. The outcome of this brand of preparation, surrender, and good fighting, is eternal reward. One day soon, if we continue on the aforementioned path, by faith, Jesus will give us our crowns too. Jesus looks forward to the day, when all for whom He gave His life, and who kept the faith, will have no more death, crying, or pain.
It will not be long, now. Jesus is coming soon. He is not slack concerning His promise. Be ready. Be ready. Be ready!
