Meeting 7/25/20
Phil. 1:27-30.
"Whatever happens..." In reading this, one gets the feeling that things could get rough. There's an obvious enemy or opposition, as if in a battle. It's got that same feel of an ominous storm approaching. The calling is to brace yourself and stand strong in the face of the conflict. We are to conduct ourselves with honor, on behalf of our King, and as a witness to the world. The order is to stand firm in truth and remember His promises. We are not to give in to fear and shrink back. There shall be no deserting our post in this defining moment. By standing together, our unity will be a sign that the opposition will be defeated and that we will be saved, and that by God alone. We are commanded to not only believe in Him, but to also suffer, for suffering has its refining purpose to conform us into His image and cultivate His character within us.
Friends, the victory is already won. It's ours! We won! Our King doesn't lose a battle. He's on our side and we are within His ranks. It's time we start acting like this battle has been won. We act like we aren't sure if we will be okay. We are anxious that we might lose. When you're too nervous to watch an important sporting match, you record it instead, then watch it later, but only after you've already looked to see who won. You can now enjoy watching the various twists and turns of the plot with positive anticipation because you know your team won. Let's act that way. Let's walk with God confidently, but humbly, willing to suffer whatever He deems necessary on the journey to move His team forward to victory. What's the worst that could happen? You die on the battlefield? You will be raised in honor, and step right into glorious eternity with your Savior and King.
