Once
we come to Christ, His Spirit immediately initiates His sanctifying work in our
soul - our mind, will and emotions. He calls us to allow Him to work in and
through us as we choose to walk in holiness.
We
rarely see the fruit of our labors on this earth. If our efforts are rejected
or our advice is ignored, we want to quit trying. However, the book of Hebrews
tells us not to discard our confidence (Hebrews 10:35),
Paul
promises that if we do not grow weary, we will eventually reap a great reward
for God. God's Word encourages us to have patience, so that as we do the will
of God, we will receive His promise (Galatians 6:9).
God
calls us to walk out our own salvation, but He also assures us that He will give
us the power both to have the desire and the ability to do His will. This
partnership actually brings Him pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13).
Therefore,
when we get discouraged, we can refocus on God’s plan and purpose for our
lives, we can confidently do the works that God calls us to do, and we can keep
the holy fire burning within us, leaving the results of our ministry to the
Lord.
Prayer:
Father
God, thank You that our salvation, sanctification and ministry for Your glory
throughout our life are all initiated and fulfilled by Your calling on our life
and Your Spirit and presence which abide within us.
This
takes out all of the stress in our life and allows us to enter Your rest and to
walk in Your peace. We thank You for Your love, care and provision for us every
day of our life, for guarding us through perilous times and for seeing us
through the darkest nights. We trust in You implicitly and we give You all of
the praise and glory, which is due to Your name (Matthew 6:9-13).
Thought
for the Day:
In
this world, we often sow in tears; but as faithful followers of the Lord, we
will reap with joyful shouts and bring with us the fruit of our labors.
- Psalm 126:5-6
- Psalm 126:5-6
