We Pay A High Price For Following God

                                                       When The Door Slams

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sin, in which you used to live when you follow the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.                     Ephesians 2:1-3 NIV          

        No one said getting from where we are to where we want to be in God is easy. Anyone who says it is easy is a liar. Anyone who believes it is easy is a fool. James said we should rejoice in trials because of what they produce in us (James 1:2-4).

        Paul compared this life to the harsh discipline of an athlete in training (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Jesus warned us that we would have trouble in this world (John 16:33). The Bible compares our spiritual journey to gold in the refiner's fire or clay on the potter's wheel (Proverbs 17:3; Jeremiah 18:1-5). Thomas Aquinas seems to echo Ephesians 2:1-2 when he warned against "the world, the flesh and the Devil."

        When we pursue Christ with all our hearts, we live a life that challenges the world around us and prompt an angry, hostile response. They hate Him and all who follow Him. That pursuit draws us into spiritual warfare. Our enemy uses all his power and influence to deceive us, block our way, and make sure we pay a high price for following God

        Think about this: But we are our own worst and greatest enemy. We run from, resist, and resent the struggles we inevitably face. We want glory without the cross. It never, ever happens that way. What does God intend for me to do with my life?" It is not an easy question to ask but, for many of us, a difficult question to answer. Why?  Because we have sinned with our fathers; We have committed iniquity and acted wickedly (Psalm 106:6). 

        God's purpose are not always clear to us. Sometimes we wander aimlessly in a wilderness of our own making. And sometimes we struggle mightily against God in an unsuccessful attempt to find success and happiness through our own means, not His. No one said it would be easy...just worth it!

        Affirmation: Christ was chosen before the creation of the world but was revealed in these last times for our sake. Through Him I believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, so that my faith and hope are in God (1 Peter 1:20-21).  

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.  

                                                        Never Rest Ministries