Our Time To Shine

Scripture:  Matthew 5:12 - Be joyful and triumphant, because your reward is great in the Heavens; for so were the Prophets before you persecuted.

I Peter 4:13 - On the contrary, in the degree that you share in the sufferings of the Christ, rejoice, so that at the unveiling of His glory you may also rejoice with triumphant gladness.

We, often see star athletes at their best during a big game or competition.  They so let their light shine so they can be praised for performing well.  Their whole purpose is to win.  In Christ, we should desire to win, as well.  Although, our win is so that the Lord will be glorified.  And usually our win in this life is determined by the way we respond to a trial and or conflict.

I enjoy a testimony of victory after a test.  Some of the testimonies I have witnessed have been of great terror.  I’ll never forget:  I was listening to Christian radio; and the announcers were taking calls.  One of the callers stated how she had a devastating fire at her residence.  She proceeded to give God praise.  She said, “times like these are what we train for; what we prepare ourselves for, as Christians…times when we can shout, “It is well with my soul!”,  despite the circumstance.  It’s for  those who would never go to church or even take a gospel tract would see the right response to what God allows in even the believer’s ife.  She stated with conviction how we, as Christians, ought to look different when we are in a trial.  We should go through the trial with the assurance that God knows and is with us every step of the way.  And because of that, and the very fact He entrusted us with the trial, we can give a response that would give God great glory and honor.

Another “Wow” testimony I observed was a widower who lost her husband, a Bishop at a local church,  to a violent act by a young man he mentored.  The young man killed the Bishop with a sledge hammer to the head for money.  The young man was high on an illegal substance during the crime; and once sobered the next morning, he turned himself in at the police station.  The widower wept for her husband, but stated that she forgave the young man and desired to comfort him with God’s words of mercy, love, and restoration.  I was awed at this.  Again, God entrusted her with this trial, and she aimed to please the Lord in and through it.  Her response caused even the young man to weep. He will probably never forget that God kind of love.

God has used trials and tribulations throughout the ages to mature us to take us to an intended end.  He is so intentional with the exact and specific trial just for you and I.  He pursues us and desires we respond correctly to what He entrusts to us.

Prayer:  Lord, we thank You for all You give us. Help us to always desire to please You, no matter what.  That we may know the difference between what we prefer and what You have ordained.  Help us to be MIGHTY warriors for the building of Your kingdom… In Jesus’ Name-Amen!

(by Lisa Williams)