God’s Presence Gives You Purpose
Aug 3, 2018 1099
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. … even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy… (I Peter 1:6-8).
The Christian life is an abundant life.
The New Testament description of what the Christian life should be is much better, and much more wonderful than most professed Christians find it to be.
Jesus told us in John 10:10 that he had come so we could live life to the full. Paul speaks of being “filled with all joy and peace in believing” (Romans 15:13), and Peter says that even though you might occasionally be weighed down with trials, you will be filled with “joy unspeakable” (1 Peter 1:6-8). This is a beautiful balance.
One of the first promises made in the gospel story is how those who have accepted Jesus will be enabled “to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness” (Luke 1:67-79). We can fulfil God’s purpose for our lives in perfect confidence.
“You can enjoy a vibrant life of faith right now.”
Jesus reassured his disciples, and us, that there is no need to be worried and troubled: “You believe in God, believe also in me.” (John 14:1-3)
He made it clear that we should expect to have troubles in this world, but that he wanted his joy to remain in us, so we would live joyful lives (John 15:11).
Our Christian life is filled with purpose. Our lives right now can be better than we dare dream or hope. Like all people, Christians suffer hardships and disappointments, but the Gospel brings an abundantly joyous life. Because of Christ and his Cross, every sin is forgiven; we are reconciled to God, and we can be certain that God is leading us.
You can enjoy a vibrant life of faith right now. Faith isn’t feeling. Faith is going ahead and doing what you know to be right, regardless of how you feel, even when everything looks dark. Faith is going ahead regardless and obeying God regardless — sometimes in spite of how things are outside or inside.
As we go forward in faith, God opens the way.
― Des Ford
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