“and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” 2 Cor. 5:15-17………….
“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:11-13………….
I had begun the big search for housing for my next destination, the destination where the Lord was sending me as I continued forth in my ministry work for Him. It didn’t take me very long at all to realize I could go back to the area where I had lived about 25 years ago, where I felt it would be easier, more familiar, and more comfortable, more manageable, more doable, more suitable, more okay as far as my flesh was concerned. The Spirit of God jumped quickly in to speak to my heart about the problem I faced. The problem we all face. The flesh. Self. Me. Us.
He quickly reminded me following the Lord Jesus Christ is NOT about what’s easy, comfortable, pleasurable, enjoyable, what feels secure and straightforward, what appears to be suitable, manageable, and familiar. Most assuredly the Lord at times will lead us to places and to do things and to be with people where we very well may experience a feeling of familiarity, of comfort, of ease and pleasure, of enjoyment, etc. But our greatest joy should not come in our circumstances and the details of our lives, nor should our greatest contentment and sense of peace come in what pleases us. Our greatest joy should come in Christ Jesus who is Lord, and our mission should not be to please and satisfy self, but to deny self and to please and satisfy God.
The Lord before I moved too far forward in my search for where He wanted me to go in the next step in my journey made it plain and clear that what I have known for some time now remains true – for me, and for you.
We are on this earth to love and glorify and bring pleasure and joy to the Lord forevermore, and the greatest joy we can possibly experience comes in Christ and in pleasing Him, and our greatest endeavor should be to do just that – regardless of our circumstances, whether easy or hard. Our decisions should not be based on ease and comfort, but instead on Christ and loving and serving God forever.
I knew, and trusted, and know, and trust, the Lord will continue to provide all that I need, and that my focus must not be on pleasing self but instead on seeking and hearing from and obeying and honoring God almighty through Christ Jesus who is Lord.
A great reminder for us all, is it not?