Sometimes you were laughed at and beaten, and sometimes you watched and sympathized with others suffering the same things. You suffered with those thrown into jail, and you were actually joyful when all you owned was taken from you, knowing that better things were awaiting you in heaven, things that would be yours forever. Do not let this happy trust in the Lord die away, no matter what happens. Remember your reward! Hebrews 10:33-35 TLB
Can we truly know a steadfast joy that sustains our hearts even when terror strikes around us? Or when we go to the doctor to hear the dreaded word Cancer, where can be find sustaining faith? We see so much sorrow, so many suffering, and so much corruption that our hearts bleed for our nation and our world! Yet, as followers of Christ we are told that we can hold tight to faith, hope, and joy. In our study on Monday, we began a 3 part series within our larger series through Hebrews.
There are three key fundamental truths each of us must know in order to have a faith that can stand fearless no matter what happens around us. Even in the center of the storm, we can have a steadfast joy smoldering deep within our heart, spirit and soul. These three key fundamental truths are:
1. Knowing who God is
2. Knowing the purpose for which we were created
3. Knowing the true identity of who we are in Christ
We took a deeper look in the last post concerning #1. When I truly grasp the truth that God is Sovereign over every detail of life and that His plan for me is always for my good; then, I can see even the storm clouds as blessings from God’s hand of love. Knowing that changes how I see my circumstances, taking my focus off of me and placing it on God.
The second key fundamental truth is to understand the purpose for which we were created. Most of my Christian life, I would hear people say, “I was created to glorify God”. Sounds nice; but, it didn’t take me long to despair of this idea as I realized that there was little inside of me that could bring glory to anything. Beyond that, the more I knew of God the more I realized that His Glory was so magnificent that He needed nothing I could give. For a time, I believed that perhaps as I emptied myself of me; I could become like a mirror reflecting to God His Own Glory. Even that, I came to realize that even emptying myself of me was impossible without His doing it for me. As, I studied the Word of God; one day, I was reading John 17. That was the prayer that Jesus prayed as He walked toward the Garden of Gethsemane. As I read that chapter, my mind, heart and spirit began to race. I read it over and over as though I had never seen it before. Suddenly, as I read that prayer it dawned on me that our purpose (the purpose for which God created us) was three fold.
1. We were created so that God might pour out His Love upon us. God’s love of His Son (the perfect echo of Himself) is so big that it spills out overflowing and is the true essence of the Holy Spirit. It is so overwhelming that it must be shared!! God created man to be the receiver of that over abounding, over flowing love. Look at this verse in John 17
I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. John 17:23
God loves me as He loves His own son!!
2. We were created that we might receive God’s Joy. God is a Joyous God and wants to share that Joy with us. He knows each crevice of my heart and realizes each desire. He knows how quickly I will seek counterfeit joys in an attempt to fill the voids of my own heart. He knows every vain desire I have for things that really don’t even matter. He knows how much I want acceptance, love, comforts, and things of this world. Yet, He also knows exactly what is needed to turn my eyes upon Him; who is the greatest treasure I could desire. He knows that He is the Joy that can hold my heart steady even when everything else is crumbling around me.
And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. John 17:13
Jesus came that we might have His Joy fulfilled in us. Read the scripture from Hebrews at the beginning of this post again. Note that the writer refers to their “joy” and happiness despite being jailed, persecuted and having had everything they own taken from them!! Why? Because their joy is not based upon the counterfeit joys of this world. Their joy is held firm in Christ Alone and their eyes are focused on Eternity with Him. When we recognize our whole life is but a blink of an eye compared to eternity, we can keep our eyes focused on our only true treasure and joy; which is Jesus Christ.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
3. Thirdly, God desired to impart upon us a portion of His Glory.
And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. John 17:22-23
At first, I found this even harder to understand; so, please bear with me a moment. God’s greatest and most Glorious Act is displayed in the redemption of sinful man by the sacrifice of His son upon the cross. The gospel plan, God’s Act of Grace, His transforming work in stony hearts displays His Glory even greater than anything else in His Creation. That is hard to imagine as we see His Creation displayed; but, if you take a moment to prayerfully consider it, I think you will agree. God does not NEED me to spread His Gospel to the world; yet, He shares His Glory with me by using me to be a testimony for Him. What Amazing Grace, that He should choose someone like me to shower with a part of His Glory.
The Song I chose for you today is Facing a Task Unfinished Let us each realize our purpose and with renewed hope, faith and steadfast joy give all that we have to proclaim the name of Jesus to a world so in need of Him.
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Living Bible (TLB) The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.