“I
envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.” Ps. 73:3 NLT
Have
you ever observed clearly evil people who remain in power and seem to prosper? Or
the reverse - really good people who have nothing but bad luck? Do you sometimes
wish that God would “fix” these wrongs? – and fix them now! Following Jesus is
costly - let’s take a look.
1.
Satan doesn’t like anyone advancing God’s kingdom; so ministry is tough work. Those
in ministry often encounter problem after problem - roadblocks and hurdles.
Satan hopes we’ll get discouraged and give up. We all know better; we know to
guard against this, but sometimes I have to “remember” to know better!
2.
Remember God’s answers: “yes, no, and not yet.” I’m usually in tune with the
yes and no. But sometimes we need to first build a team, raise capital, cast
vision and get people on-board. So sometimes, even when we’re trying to do
something that is clearly good, the answer is “not just yet.” Listen carefully
for God’s leading; don’t confuse “not yet” with “no.” Again, don’t get
discouraged, and don’t quit.
3.
Sometimes God settles the score in eternity. Evil people who think they’re on
top of the world will spend eternity separated from the light. Believers who feel
beat up and rejected will be sitting at the wedding banquet table with Jesus.
Remember that there’s a reversal-of-order in heaven – the first will be last,
and the last will be first.
Humble
wins.
Norton
Lawellin
Jesus in the City
Fellowship (JICF) meets at 10:30am Sunday, May 26, Memorial Weekend. Pastor Michael
Pilla will teach about the cost of following Jesus. We gather in the North end (gym)
of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. See you at
church!
NL
