Joy has nothing at all to do with circumstances. Circumstances change daily, and for some, even hourly. What of the family who has returned to the home from attending church, to find their home and all contents burned to the ground? Or the devoted parents who lose their child to a deadly collision or at the hands of a maniac rapist murderer? When it seemingly can't get any worse, people in such dire circumstances have found hope, and peace, and even joy.
How often we've looked at others, who have endured tragedy and hardship and see the strength to carry on, as we might wonder, "how do they do it?" We can not see into the hearts of all, however we learn great truths from the words the lord has preserved all these centuries.
In spite of great opposition, and sufferings Paul the apostle determined to press on and fulfill his call and mission, to preach the gospel. He was imprisoned, abandoned but those whom he loved and trusted, and had many reasons to lose his joy. If he had he would not have walked in victory. He encouraged Timothy to endure in spite of what was surely to come. 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry."
Skipping ahead we see how easy it would have been for Paul to be discouraged, and not have joy.
9Do your best to come to me quickly, 10for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. ...
14Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.
16At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Paul never trusted in his own strength but in the lord. And because his dependency was on the lord, and HIS strength, he was able to walk out his faith in joy, amidst unspeakable hardship.
We are told repeatedly in scripture to sing for joy, to shout for joy, and as we do this in obedience to HIM we will find it manifesting in our lives. We are not a circumstance driven people. NO we are a people who have hope, and faith in the living God. Rejoice! Rejoice.
Luke 6:20 Looking at his disciples, he said:
"Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
21Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
22Blessed are you when men hate you,
when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
23"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.
Grayce Pedulla Dillon © 2010
Rejoice in the lord always!!!
Grayce Pedulla Dillon © 2010
www.GrayceDillon.com
No comments:
Post a Comment