Topic: You Can Also [Saturday, 4th November, 2017]
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Hebrews 4:15 NIV
Have you ever gotten to a point in life where you’re like “I’m done. I can’t stand it anymore. I give up.” It could be with relationships, academics, career, ministry, family, even with yourself. Or you’re trapped in a fix and you just can’t deal with making a decision. Well I have. But then, I think about the life of Christ, and how He went through all these things I went through. It seems impossible, but Hebrews 4:15 says that he was tempted in every way. Let’s go through scripture for two examples of his temptations and how it affects us and our present struggles.
Rejection/ Belittling: “And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?” (Matthew 13:54-56). Your very own people do not believe in your calling or the wonders you perform. Now you’ve taken offence and have decided to stop praying for them? No. Look to Christ. He was rejected in his home, but He didn’t let pride and anger set in. He did the best their faith could carry, and moved on with His ministry.
False Witness against you: “Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,” (Matthew 26:59-60). A calculated plot to take him down by all means, but guess what? He didn’t cry “vengeance, Lord, take vengeance against them.” But He said on the cross “Father forgive them.” They’ve lied and made plans to drag your name in the mud. Look to Jesus and say “Forgive Lord, forgive.”
No matter what you go through in a bid to fulfill your ministry, never let it becloud your vision and distract you from what the Lord has called you to do. It will never be plain sailing, but know this “when you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you” (Isaiah 43:2).
Keep winning daily.
Prayer:
Dear Father, it is trying and hard having to go through all of these things. But knowing that Christ has gone through these gives me hope I also will. Help me to learn from You, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
By Esun Tekeme