The Secret!

Over the last six years, I've spent many mornings sitting in our picturesque backyard, communing with my Saviour. I'm so grateful to God for our outdoor areas and also grateful to my beloved, who does a tremendous job of maintaining them. In colder weather, though, I've had to resort to being in my little Den, also a much relished God-space. This winter, I've been enjoying stunning Christian nature videos during my times with Jesus. Only recently, I realised that I haven't actually missed going outdoors as I used to – because my soul is well fed, as I gaze on lush green foliage or cascading waterfalls and other spectacular nature scenes on my computer. Thank You God!

One day I was planning to sit outdoors when alas, it started to rain. So … was I disappointed? Not really! Not at all! The truth was that I can almost believe I'm in exotic surrounds when my computer screen transports me to faraway places! I am also nourished as I read the Bible verses being displayed on the screen (in those same videos) which provides me with wholesome spiritual sustenance. So no matter what the weather, I can enjoy both outdoor and indoor times with the Lord equally. Now isn't that a blessed state of being? I'd say it is!

I realised that God's calling to me in my journey through life has been the same. No matter what the weather (of current circumstances), He asks me to trust Him, to jump into life's stream with a mighty and joyful splash, to keep swimming, going with a flow He initiates. The truth is that in the kingdom of God, joy does not come from pleasant circumstances. Joy comes from Jesus. Full stop. He is our reservoir of joy. Listen to St Paul's words on some of his toughest times. "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

I have to admit that I (on the other hand) have often felt crushed and wounded, not simply perplexed as St Paul was. I have at times battled despair. I have not yet learnt to suffer well, rejoicing at all times as St Paul did with a song in my heart when I am led into a Lion's Den or into a Fiery Furnace like the saints of old. I have a long way to go! The truth is that Christians often suffer for doing right! St Paul suffered for sharing the gospel. Doesn't that seem unfair? Why doesn't God take better care of us when we are obedient to Him? Yes, He does care, but His ways are not our ways. And suffering is part of our calling. We identify with our Saviour when we do. "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him," Philippians 1:29

Christians are often wooed into the kingdom of God with a promise that if you come to Jesus, life will be an untroubled walk in the park. But nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus first calls us to die to ourselves. 

'The entrance fee into the kingdom of God is nothing, but the life time membership is everything'! Henry Drummond. That says it so well. Yes, the lifetime membership to live in the kingdom is everything. God calls us often into hard places and spaces. Complete surrender is what Jesus asks of His disciples. He doesn't promise non stop sunshine and blue skies. What He does promise is that He will be with us every moment. And that as we trust Him, He will work out all things for our good. There could be ... present hardship. But also ... future glory!

I call my present season my 'Even if season', inspired by the lives of Daniel and his three friends, Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego - whose lives proclaimed a powerful truth. "We know God can and will deliver. But even if He doesn't – we will still trust Him." That's the kind of faith I want. God's taken me kicking and screaming down the path of total abandonment. It hasn't come easy. But I know it's futile to resist His leading. 

Because, surrender does not lead to disaster.

Surrender leads to LIFE abundant.

So here's the secret. Life in the kingdom is actually all it's cut out to be. Not that it is as easy as having a never ending holiday by the seaside! Oh no! Life in the kingdom can often be challenging. Perplexing. Difficult. But we do have it all. Because we have Jesus. And in Jesus, we have all that we ever need. Life in the kingdom is exciting. Full of purpose. Joy. An Adventure! Having others in the family of God to enjoy deep fellowship with and serving God together. It can't get better than that. It is in relinquishment to Him, that we find Life! Freedom. Hope. And peace.

In Him is life and that life is the light of men! So dear fellow traveller, please don't give up during those tough seasons. I know life can be hard. I do understand the struggle - I too have been there. More times than I can count. But I have exciting news for us today. Our trials are temporary. Our spiritual riches will last forever. 

And in Jesus, we have life in all its fullness. Hallelujah!

I came to give life with joy and abundance." JESUS John 10:10 (The Voice)

I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. JESUS John 10:10 (MSG)

I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. JESUS John 10:10 (NLT)