IT'S NOT ALWAYS GOING TO BE EASY...

I had to smile a little when I read this portion of Scripture ("That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition]. [We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy, Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God’s holy people) in the Light." [Colossians 1:10-12, AMP])--there are times when it seems like I (maybe you can relate, too) wish I had an "S" on my chest, and a cape--along with the ability to fly over some stuff. But, we didn't get that. We did get everything that we need to make this journey, though. Now, I am not suggesting for one minute that you won't want to get off the train at times, and ask for a full refund!:) You might even want to turn around and forget about it, but we both know that it will be worth all of these "light" afflictions.

None of our afflictions seem light at the moment--but, when the glory comes and we have an opportunity to compare them, then we will see just how minuscule they really were. We also will know fully (we see through a glass dimly, now) just what great lengths our Father went to, to secure us and keep us safe from danger while we traveled. That doesn't mean we won't suffer, but it does mean that our souls are safe--that's what this is all about; our spiritual security and well-being. This life is not, nor was it ever about our comfort--it's about maturation, which comes by enduring patiently and increasing in the knowledge of God. It's really not about us--it's about His glory, so that others recognize that glory, in the form of "salt" and "light" and are drawn to Him. As we mature, we should become magnetic, as His glory begins to exude from our being. That's right, Jesus should ooze out of us--not in a dogmatic, pushy, Bible-toting, Scripture-quoting way, but in a kind, loving, manner that makes people want what we have.


Not everyone is going to like the Jesus that comes from you, so be prepared. The adversary hates it, so expect opposition--that's why I got amused at the beginning, because it takes a whole lot of "invigorating and strengthening power according to the might of His glory" to endure in the face of the buffeting that comes when you choose His righteousness. But, the more you choose righteousness--the more power and might He has in store for you. You can handle it--because He can handle it!

Thank God, He has my back!:)

Exodus 14:14 

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