Saturday January 21st, 2023
Meditate on: Ecclesiastes 7:8ISV
« The conclusion of something is better than its beginning, and a patient attitude is more valuable than a proud one. »
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
Understand
Many people are so focused on today they miss out on what is most important- the end.
Esau had a bad beginning, but somewhere along the line, he repented. Instead of killing his brother, he hugged him. He became so successful that he had four hundred bodyguards.
Levi started with a curse but later became the first born of the Most High God because he chooses to be on the Lord’s side.
One of the criminals crucified along with Jesus started badly but made it to paradise.
Paul the Apostle started as a persecutor of Christians but ended as a great evangelist and Apostle.
However, King Saul started well but ended badly.
As for me, I will end well.
What about you?
Your future is in the hands of two people- God and you.
« Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever » Hebrews 13:8NKJV
Since God is unchangeable, righteous, and His word is yes and amen, His part is settled.
This means that your future is in your hands. Hence, you can direct it as you wish, positively or negatively.
Some have chosen to sell their future like Esau did in Genesis 25:29-34.
Today, many have exchanged their future for financial gains.
As a sinner, even if you pay tithes and offerings, know that no amount of money can compare with God’s plan for your future.
As uncontrolled weakness can also damage the future.
Moses compromised his future after forty years of ministry because of uncontrolled temper (Numbers 20:7-13).
David brought a curse on himself and his linage because he committed adultery and murder.
However, you can save your future by sowing into it.
In 1 Kings 17:8-16, the widow of Zarephath sowed her last meal, then she and her son had enough to eat for the rest of their live.
You too can secure your future through absolute obedience to God.
As soon as Elijah dropped the mantle on Elisha in 1 Kings 19:19-21, the latter surrendered all and never looked back.
If there is anything you have done in the past that can destroy your future, I break its hold over you now in the Mighty Name of Jesus.
Practice: What are the measures you are taking towards a glorious future for yourself?
Author: Pst E. A. Adeboye.
Edited by Naomie
Freely you received, freely you must give (Math 10:8) , kindly share this devotion, and the Lord will bless you for it ♥
