The bible speaks of those who made a decision and never turned back. They spent the rest of their lives living out that decision. They did not find it strange concerning the fiery trials which tried them but rejoiced because they chose to be a partaker of Christ suffering.
They read the Word and believed. They knew when Christ's glory is revealed, they would be exceedingly joyful.
And when they were reproached because they wore the name of Christ, they were most happy.
For Christ promised them if they held fast to their decision, His will and purpose for their life amid persecution, trials, hardships, disappointments, for His name's sake, the Spirit of God would rest on them. And God would be glorified.
When they made their decision, they knew the time would come that judgment would begin at the house of God (sanctuary, His holy temple). And they wondered if God's judgment began in the house of God, what would happen to those who refused to obey the gospel of God, to choose restoration and redemption.
They decided they would rather suffer according to the will of God than to turn their back on the decision they made for God.
So, what did they decide?
Abel decided to obey God, to bring Him a lamb. Noah decided to build an ark for God. Abraham decided to offer up his son to God. That nothing was too precious to give to God. Joseph decided to offer up his reputation and liberty to God. Moses decided to build the house of God. Joshua decided to be strong and of a good courage for the cause of God. Ruth decided to leave her home and country for God. Hannah decided to give her son to God. Hezekiah decided to restore creator worship, to remove the high places, brake down images for God. Daniel decided, purposed in heart, not to defile himself for the cause of God. Nehemiah decided to rise and build for God. Paul decided he was not ashamed of the gospel, the power of God.
"And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens... " Hebrews 11:32-40.
What have you decided?
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us," Hebrews 12:1.
One of the sins that so easily beset us is that we give up when things get hard... When it doesn't appear that God is listening... When He doesn't answer our prayers as we instructed Him.
If God has revealed to you your purpose, His will as He did for Abel, Moses, Paul, and all the others that have gone before us... Then make the most important decision you will ever make... Decide to follow the Lamb where He leads no matter where He leads for the glory of God and the building up of His Kingdom.
I have decided, with the grace of God, to hold fast to the decision I made to live out Christ’s purpose for my life and that is to be a gospel writer. No matter the cost, hardship, disappointments. It cost Him too much and He has waited long enough. I will not turn my back on Him. Some of the things He will have me write will cost me friendships. Some family members may question my loyalty, but I have decided to follow the Lamb whereever He leads.
I hope you join me to purpose in your heart, not to allow anything or anyone to stop you from living out God’s purpose for your life. That your eye is single on the cause and glory of God. Thou hardships come, and they will, you will hold onto God’s hand and not let go.
The decision is your...
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