From The Desk of:

Tell Them What They Don’t Know

The greatest reward that one could ever receive is salvation through Jesus Christ. This is the highest of all honors in a world where people seek advancement and achievement. Christians on the Last Day will hear God say, “Well done” (Matthew 25:23). Salvation is granted to everyone who trusts Him. It provides us with joy that this world knows nothing about. Jesus once told his disciples in John 4:32-34 “… I have food to eat of which you do not know…My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.”  Eating food is not a chore or a duty but a time to reward and satisfy oneself. It is giving your body what it needs and craves. Doing the will of God is nourishment to the soul that brings satisfaction that this world knows nothing about. Your soul needs you to be about the Lord’s business and be engaged in worship.

Few people know about the joy that comes from God. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3). God says to consider it, count it, and believe it is time to celebrate or have a reason to be glad when you fall into various trials. You expect people to celebrate positive things such as birthdays, promotions, graduation, anniversaries, and retirement. God says to celebrate when you enter various trials, no matter what because they test your faith and will produce some patience and endurance. The strongest Christians are those who have gone through something and are going through it now.

Imagine going to one of those places where people celebrate, and you are asked what the occasion is. The place is so expensive, you must be there to celebrate.  You tell them I have been sick, but I still need to celebrate; my spouse has forsaken me, but I still need to celebrate; I have been laid off.  Why do we count it all joy? “But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul”(Hebrews 10:39). Do not allow what you are dealing with to drive you away from God. Move closer to Him, and the closer you get to God, what was in my way becomes smaller and smaller, and God becomes bigger and bigger; he becomes the focus.

 Not everything that happens to you is God’s will. But because of what happens, God works it for your benefit (Romans 8:28). Continue to walk by faith and see what God is doing with your trials. Remember to tell people what they do not know.

©Feb 3, 2024 Courtney Henderson