YES, GOD - Part 2 of 2

Part 2

And as you endure for God, you must have DETERMINATION, which means the act of deciding definitely and firmly or fixed intention to achieve a desired end which is necessary for endurance. Determination is an important characteristic in life. It is what keeps us going when we'd rather give up. Determination keeps us from quitting a demanding job or giving up on a fragile marriage. Determination helps us endure life's storms to battle enticing temptation and persevere through terrible trials. None of us can get through life without having determination! This is certainly true when it comes to the believers or the Sons of God. Living your life for the Lord requires determination.

What is amazing is that many people have resigned from serving God. They have thrown in the towel. They are no longer in the race, or some would call it the “RAT RACE”, which looks like the rats are winning. They have turned their backs and effectively said “NO MORE”.

But it takes that determination to serve the Lord. Rather than people resigning, we need people who are willing to RE-SIGN and be Ambassadors for God – to stand before his people proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom. The work we are doing is too important to leave undone. The eternal souls of men, women, boys and girls hang in the balance. So let us do what Galatians 6:9 states: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

And having that determination brings about PATIENCE which is an attitude or mind characterized by poise, inner calmness, and quiet endurance especially in the face of trying conditions. Patience has its foundation in faith, and it is perfected only in those who have unwavering faith in God. James 1:3 states “because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance”.

Patience keeps us from acting too quickly. We take time to prepare. We work steadily, determined to serve our Master. God is in no hurry because He is strong and wise. Proverbs 20:18 says “Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.” And let me add Proverbs 23:5 which says “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”

So when we persevere and learn patience, we become mature and complete which will cause us to better serve God. How can you serve God if you can't yield yourself over to him and stop trying to do it your way? How can you serve God if you have no endurance? You've got to be able to take some blows just like a boxer. If you go down on the first punch and can't get back up, you're not fit for the fight. It's the same way with God. You have to accomplish God's goals based on the truth of his word, regardless of the resistance that you may encounter. And with all that, it's going to take some patience. No patience, no victory. Patience is your waiting period when you are trusting God, which is essential in serving him.

Consider the fruit on a tree. A certain amount of sunlight is needed to bring out the real flavor of fruits. When the fruit has absorbed that amount of sunlight, it is ripe and delicious. So is it in man. A certain amount of trouble is needed to create the grace we need so that we can ripen, mature, and be made complete.

In other words, God wants us to be made whole so we can serve him in the fullness of our capabilities and to be made whole means that, as James 1:4 wrote, “you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”. If you are whole, you do not need to be healed because you have health, and YOU will be able to go out and lay hands on the sick and they shall recover through Christ Jesus. If you are whole, you are an overcomer meaning you have dominating power over any habit or situation. To be whole means we have victory in our lives now and authority over our adversary the devil. To be whole means that you have achieved rest in God and are walking in and enjoying the promises that He has given us. And it also means to be absolutely perfect in the eyes of God!!! And all these elements are essential to serving our God!!! So people of God, let us not just be servers, but let us rise and take our rightful place as the Sons of God so we can:

1) walk with God as Enoch
2) be a friend of God as Abraham
3) become a prayer as Joseph
4) become a man or woman of God as Moses
5) have the heart of God as David
6) have the love of God as John
7) know God as Paul

These 7 steps are ones that all believers must take if they are to progress in their walk with and have the knowledge of God that He desires all of us to have. The Lord will illuminate you on your journey to know him, to serve Him, and to be made whole. For this is His desire for all of us.

- Shawnda Townsend