Embracing the sacrifice for the cross we carry knowing that we will opposition and to the enjoy the challenges given to us
God’s timing, something we cannot fathom for his timing, knowledge, abilities, and understanding are beyond our human comprehension. God’s timing has nothing to do when we expect him to do things or when we think we have everything planned out for our future. So often, God will do unexpected things in a way we never thought would happen, if it be the unexpected lose of a loved one or the sudden growth and expansion of your church or business. God is the God of everything and that includes timing and his divine acceleration when he calls you into action for your responsibilities. We must recognize these openings and the signs God is giving us and take that leap of faith regardless of what we have knowing he will watch over us.
Acceleration and gaining influence or a higher profile because is blessing you and helping you through will throw opposition in your way from others. The opposition can from anything and anyone in many forms from threats, to disagreements, from friends, family, and even complete strangers, all because of what you are doing for Jesus. We are promised these persecutions through our life if we are living within his will, we will have these issues because the world will not recognize us and will want us to turn back. These persecutions we are to fight off, not physically, but with God’s love and his truth and let him deal with judgement later on when its time. During times of trial and opposition, we must stay rooted to God and continue to praise like before if not more and better knowing that he will protect us and he is trusting us with this opposition. We may even face opposition for sacrificing something for Jesus and in doing so will confuse the world around us and be persecuted for it.
No small act of sacrifice for Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior will go wasted, ever small act is counted even if think so or not. We are told that even giving a cup of water to someone who is hurt and poor is considered a wondrous act for Jesus and the Kingdom. In this world, this sacrifice is identifying with him in a world that is entirely hostile toward those who follow, believe, and love him. Identifying with him alone could get you killed in most places let alone trying to do what he has called you to do, we are to accept this and stay strong because we are then promised he will guide us and be with us. Even if you are not killed and it makes your life more difficult, embrace and enjoy that challenge and see what God can bring from it and what he can accelerate from that difficulty. We need forceful people in order to being about the Gospel and the Kingdom of Heaven, people who aren’t afraid of such challenges and opposition. Taking up our cross and doing what he has called us to do and not follow the world is what God requires of us, this is what makes us forceful people for God’s Kingdom
John the Baptist is a good example; he proclaimed the Gospel, was bold in front of governments telling them to repent, and was jailed for doing all of this while also not caring what happened. Pray to God for this type of boldness, not fearing what people say and doing what he tells you to do regardless of what happens for then your reward is in heaven and not on this earth. Doing these radical things is what we need to do for the Kingdom in order to continue to spread across every nation, and right now the fastest growing church is in Gaza with the war. Embracing all of these things from God’s divine acceleration, accepting the opposition and sacrifice that comes with it, and then accepting the challenges is what we need to learn to do.
We are called to do these things and much more in order to help the lost souls that don’t have a shepherd, showing them where to go. Remember, God will be with you the whole time making sure that everything that is happening is what is needed. It may hurt one way or another, however, his love, joy, peace, and Spirit will be with us as we go about doing these. Trust him in these times and know that he has everything under control and do not lose your heart or faith for he has everything planned out. May Jesus Christ our Lord, Savior, and God bless you and watch over you, Amen!