Two-minute read.
God loves gathering His people together, redeeming and restoring them. Sunday services have that effect on me. Each week, we gather with hundreds of other believers, singing worship, listening to messages, and resetting ourselves for the week ahead. Living in America, I’ve always had the privilege of attending church without worry of persecution, and I thank the Lord for the opportunity. Serving on the prayer team for an international organization, I know that many countries do not allow the same luxury.
Persevering under persecution, believers in other nations find ways to gather and praise the Lord. Risking their lives, they form underground churches that love and support each other through the hardships of government persecution. And praise God for His faithful love endures forever, even during their struggles.
In 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, Paul praises the church of Macedonia for their abundant joy that overflowed in rich generosity, despite “being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor” (vs. 2). Paul goes on to explain that not only did they give of their own free will but begged him for the privilege of sharing in the gift with others. Jesus’s transformational work among the believers in Macedonia helped them look beyond their temporary circumstances to the eternal rewards that awaited them, and they wanted others to discover what they found in the Savior.
As followers of Jesus, we should want the same thing Macedonia wanted. Looking past our current circumstances, keeping the Son in our eyes, we will focus on the true prize, eternity in heaven with the Savior, where we will have no more struggles, basking in the glory of the Lord forever. Distractions in this world try to shift our focus from the eternal to the temporary. When we lose focus, we become adrift in a sea of narratives, seeking truth, but unable to find it. Having our eyes fixed on things above helps us discern and prioritize our time, keeping on track with the Lord’s mission for our lives.
Living for the Savior brings abundant life as we find joy in the Lord, gaining His strength and walking obediently in His ways. One faith step at a time reveals the next one we should take. God never gives us the entire road map, but leads us in increments, unfolding our purpose as we go. Watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” over Christmas reminded me that everything affects everything. Our smallest acts of kindness have ripple effects we know nothing about.
God made us for a purpose, and He supports us on the journey as we transition into new beings in Christ. We need to thank Him for His good works and faithful love that endures forever.
Journal Questions:
How does keeping your eyes on Jesus help you persevere?
In what ways can you focus on things above today?
What good work has God done in your life?
Application:
Thank God for who He is.
