REWARD AFTER STRUGGLES [Part 3]

SONG

have decided to follow Jesus

I have decided to follow Jesus

I have decided to follow Jesus

No turning back

No turning back

TEXT:

   "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

 ( Hebrews chapter 12 verse 2)

  Jesus, who  “… for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame...” (Hebrews chapter 12 verse2).

  There was a glory that was set before our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This He for-knew, which endeared Him to endure the cross, not minding the shame that accompanied death on the Cross.

It didn’t matter that they put a crown of thorns on His head with blood dripping from His head down to the other parts of His body. The excruciating pains from the piercing of the nails was one unbearable agony; but He endured it all for you and me. He knew that there was something greater to attain at the end of the entire scenario. The glory ahead was that He would be exalted and seated at the Right Hand of Majesty.

       We all know that whenever athletes are set to run, there is usually a prize at the end for the winners. The trophy to be won is what every participant aims for. Everyone endures the pains, does vigorous practices, etc towards winning the trophy.

       Whatever challenges you might be facing in your life, learn to focus on your goal. Don’t let the things that happen along the way make you lose your focus or to distract you from finishing your course. It's in this regard that Elisha refused to be distracted or discouraged by his master Elijah.

 "And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel." ( Second Kings chapter 2 verse 2)

The sons of the prophets also tried to discourage Elisha from following his master. The Bible says,  "And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace."  (Second Kings chapter 2 verse 3).

    All these and many more could not stop the prophet from achieving his goal. He was determined to get what he wanted. In the end, he saw his master taken, and he got the double portion of the anointing that was upon him.

  Let us run the race that is set before us  with patience. Let me quote my husband, Rev Dele Buoro: "We can not be a fool for faith or for patience." In other words, let's continue to be patient and full of faith. The Bible says that faithful is He that has promised. If we are not patient, the tendency there's for us to make wrong decisions in life.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I receive grace to run this race patiently and to enjoy the glory that is set before me, in Jesus' Mighty name.