Faith

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Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62


Jesus wanted us to know it is possible to begin new life with him, yet never experience growth and maturity and abundant blessings in his kingdom. He gave us the key to a “full, abundant life” of service in the kingdom of God, when he spoke the above Scripture.

The word, “fit” means to be qualified; prepared; supplied with what is necessary.

Are you, now that you have come to Christ, “prepared” for service in the kingdom of God?

Do you possess all that is necessary to live and function in the kingdom? Are you a "profitable" servant?

How often do you look back to your old life? The Children of Israel had a bad habit of “looking back.” Funny how our memory plays tricks on us, at times. We tend to remember a good experience, yet we tuck away memories of the hard life we had, living under the hand of the enemy.

He was a hard taskmaster. He showed no mercy. He bound us in
chains, and made slaves of each one of us who lived in his kingdom; his wish was our command. He said, “Jump”, and we said, “How high?”

But it’s the “leeks and garlic” we remember. The mind plays tricks with our ability to remember how destitute we were, living under the rule of Satan.

Are you “fit”, are you ready for service in the kingdom of God? There is to be no bench warming in his kingdom. We all have a God-given purpose to fulfill, to see his will done on earth, just as it is in heaven.

Do you spend time at the feet of Jesus, soaking in his presence? Do you devour his word, and hide it in your heart?

Are you learning “obedience”? The scriptures tell us that Jesus “learned obedience through the things he suffered.” (Heb. 5:8)

“Suffering” is a requisite for service in the kingdom of God. How do you respond to suffering? You will never be able to function in the kingdom, without first learning to submit to suffering. It is a tool used by the Lord to help his children learn obedience.

“Obedience” is the key that opens the door for promotion within the kingdom. Consider our armed forces. The Army, for instance, puts a man or woman through “Boot Camp” before sending them out into service for their country. It is a rigorous, trying time. Boot Camp is designed for the supreme purpose of breaking the will of the one who will one day represent and fight for our country.

If a soldier does not allow his own personal will to be broken by those in authority, he will not graduate. He will not be promoted. He is sent back home, as not fit for service in the United States Armed Forces.

A soldier who has not “learned obedience”, is a death threat to all who live within his unit. The will must be broken, and then the soldier lives only to please the one in authority over him. He has no other agenda. There is complete harmony of purpose within his unit. Victory depends on the will being broken. The result will be obedience with no hesitation. The mission will be a success, the enemy will be defeated.

I encourage you today to refuse to look back to your old life. I encourage you today, in your struggles, to keep looking
straight into the lovely face of Jesus; choose to focus on him, the Author and the Completer of your faith.

He, while on the cross, bleeding and dying for our deliverance, made a choice to focus on all that was before him, and that was the joy of restoring back to himself, a glorious church, a beautiful bride, adorned with his glory.

There are many more souls wandering around, lost and without hope in this world. He wants them to be included in that group he restores back; they may never know, unless you tell them; unless you show them by your love, by your perseverance.

We are in a battle for souls. It’s all about souls!

They’re in bondage, bound in chains by the enemy. They need us to fight for their freedom.

God is looking for those who will let him take them through “Boot Camp.”

Our will must be broken, so that his will can come forth. Then, and only then, are we ready for service in the kingdom of God.


(Barbara Thompson-Young)

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