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Topic: Reward (09/27/04)
TITLE: Great Reward By Peter D. Mallett 10/04/04 |
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provide everything needed. God's word says it this way.
"I am [like] the vine, you are [like] the branches.
Whoever remains in me, and I in Him, they will bear much fruit (John 15:5 NASB).
Sometimes when God gives you or I a glimpse of His plan, we shy away. I
think, "I can't do that." Paul wrote, "I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strenthens (Philipians 4:13 NASB)."
Good news! God knows I have this capacity to doubt. He also wrote through
Paul something which has shook up my world over the last couple of years.
"Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.
For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God,
you may receive what was promised (Hebrews 10:35-36 NASB)."
The first thing this verse did was cause me to morn the times that I could look back over my life and see God calling. I saw Him providing the confidence I needed. I saw myself unwilling to believe, throwing it out. Yet, God still loved me. In fact, at the same time I was mourning, He was placing hope in my heart that it was not too late. It's likely at some point you've thrown away God's confidence. However, one thing is true for a child of God there is still work to be done.
There's hope! How did I move from doubt to doing? Here is what God revealed.
1. "Do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward." "I must move from seeing the size of the task to seeing the size of God. I have heard people say, "I believe that God can do it, but I just don't believe He can do it through me. While all of us have doubt, clinging to this idea is illogical, and in truth sin. Either I believe that God is all knowing, knowing why He chose me, and all powerful, able to work through me, or I believe, with all my weakness I can foil the great plans of God. It cannot be both.
Prayer and praise are powerful. Prayer is seeking the wisdom of God, while praise is seeking to touch the heart of God. Seeking God through worship is the greatest reward. In this alone I gain His confidence. This does not mean I seek to know every detail of what He will do. In battle it is more important to know commander's character and how he responds in situations, than to know the plans of one particular battle.
3. "For you have need of endurance... "I must decide now that I am going to endure. Anything of worth will include time, effort, stuggle, setbacks, suffering and rewards. I know some people who have been Christians for a long time are still, "Test driving" their faith. Thinking
things like, "I'll trust God as long as..." "If God asks me to...I'm outa here." I must solidify my commitment to Christ. God has my best interest at heart. Like the wonderful song says, "When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart.
4. "When you have done the will of God..." Do the next thing. I may not know the Master plan, but God doesn't leave me in the dark either. Seeking God through prayer, praise, and study,
gives me what I need to do next. It may seem like a little step of faith. Just as it was for the man who shared Christ with Billy Grahm.
5. "You may recieve what was promised." God loves to give things to his Children. Many scriptures back this up. While His ultimate goal on my journey is holiness, not happiness,
He will provide many times of great joy along the way. He rewards those who seek Him.
Every time the rewards are greater than I imagined.