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Topic: Reward (09/27/04)
TITLE: The Peace that passes man's understanding! By shirley shields 10/03/04 |
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Each testing of our faith is basically building blocks in our faith walk with God. When we are faithful in little things, we are given bigger tests along the way. The word tells us that faith comes by hearing the word of God, but it also tells us that faith without works is useless. The two must work together for us to receive this peace that passes (our human) understanding. Hebrews 11
To experience this peace personally when facing various trials is a reward in and of itself. You know that you know, that God has a purpose for the situation you are going through, and desires that it brings glory to His Name. I have discovered that everything I write about always covers some experience from a testing or trial I have gone through in my life, and the victory I have found in the Lord. Each experience has the added benefit of my faith being stretched further, and my trust in His desire to meet my every need in life that may affect me.
Every born again Christian will faces times of testing, if they seek to follow in the Lord’s footsteps. We are all guaranteed opportunities will arise in our life to test whom we have chosen to believe. Some may be very subtle testing, like honesty when given too much change at the store, or even at times a real crisis where you have to decide to believe the word or believe what others may be telling you. Loving others as Jesus loved us. I Corinthians 13:4-8 especially bring examples for us to strive to follow.
When we read about our forefathers in the Lord, we often see their many sacrifices, the trials and testing they endured from walking in this world, but we also get a glimpse of their rewards they received for their faith and a hint at the ones awaiting them in eternity. To hear well done good and faithful servant is the personal desire of my heart.
It seems many followers today are only seeking earthly rewards, materialistic in nature that they can feel, touch or enjoy in the flesh. And God certainly does that as well in many ways, but the greatest reward I’ve experienced here is the peace from God, that passes all our human comprehension when some trial seems to be over whelming and headed in our direction, seeking to destroy our very being. To know that no matter what is going on around me that God is in total control; that He will deliver you from your enemies, walk you through every valley to overcome anything the enemy sends your way. Psalms 56:1-13
John14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Now the question of our rewards, are they only given out in heaven? Definitely not, while walking through this turbulent world we live in, having the knowledge that He walks with us 24/7, that He will provide for our every need (not necessarily our wants) that nothing can happen to us that isn’t allowed for a reason, does brings the rewards of a peace in our hearts that definitely passes our finite minds ability to comprehend.
In Psalms 37:25-26 I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
He is ever merciful, and lends, and His seed is blessed.
The promises of rewards in Heaven are past our ability to comprehend, especially when we can’t fully grasp or define logically the gift of His peace experienced by us when going through some trial here on earth. He has offered His peace to all of His followers.
Ephesians 2:10 states; for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which, God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. This means we are His works still in progress, He is not finished with us yet.
Writing offers me an opportunity to testify of what the Lord has done for me, and His desire to do the same for all His children.
©sue shields 2004