1 Timothy 6
11-12 But you, Timothy, man of God: Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses.
From before, we learned that God will choose you even when you don’t possess the credentials to perform the task at hand. Many of us become scared by the task for the fact that we’ve never performed it before. But why is that the case? Could it be deeper than that?
The fear of doing something new is natural. It causes one to step out of their “norm” into the unknown. But that can be fairly easy to combat. But what if there is more than fear that holds you back... say addictions, people, the past...
Deep inside we have desires that line up with God’s plan and we can do it and more. Be aware that Satan too knows this, as well as your human self. And so, you set out with the best intentions to make benchmarks and reach goals, and yet the chick from your past that caused you drama comes back around. She talks the game and says all the right things. And like that you fall for it. You are going forward, but yo’ boys talking about going out and you know that alcohol will be waiting for you. Yet you are a recovering alcoholic. You are in the process of finishing school, a project, seeking God more, and because of a series of events, you left wondering do you truly have what it takes...
But think about it... Paul, at one time prosecuted Christians. He killed people, called them out and so on. And yet God chose him. And while the fear of new journey was approaching, Paul said yes.
Point #1. Spirit of Love is empowering. Let’s be real. We can be trifling at times. Call each other everything but a child of God. There are those that have molested children, murdered people, and stolen retirement from older folks. And we are quick to say, “They deserve what they get.” But wait... and forgive me (but yo’ **** stank like the next). You done wrong too... There’s no degree of sin... A sin is a sin is a sin... and Jesus’ blood covers it all. Even if we have committed sins, if we make the decision to yield to Christ... God will forgive and His Love will empower one to make a change and to progress to new levels...
Point #2. You can’t truly be delivered until you can testify. Paul taught us this from time to time.
Acts 26 (The Message)
9-11 "I admit that I didn't always hold to this position. For a time I thought it was my duty to oppose this Jesus of Nazareth with all my might. Backed with the full authority of the high priests, I threw these believers—I had no idea they were God's people!—into the Jerusalem jail right and left, and whenever it came to a vote, I voted for their execution. I stormed through their meeting places, bullying them into cursing Jesus, a one-man terror obsessed with obliterating these people. And then I started on the towns outside Jerusalem.
Here Paul let us know that hey, I haven’t always been in position for God. Like him, we haven’t always been in position as well. And because of that, we should never forget where we come and be willing to share our story with others. It was one thing for me to deal with the thoughts of suicide, and I’m sooo grateful brought me through that time, but I didn’t truly start to be delivered until I was able to share my testimony with others. Not only did others start to become free, but I realized that my strength in God was growing. I was able to do something that I never imagined. If you do have a testimony, please share it. It will help others and yourself as well.
Point #3. Handle the deterrents quickly. Distractions seem to always arise when you start to make steps toward goals. And what’s funny about distractions, most are slow and gradual. So initially you think, “Oh it’s not major, I can handle it.” But in reality, bit by bit you are being pulled away from road less traveled.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (The Message)
11-12These are all warning markers—danger!—in our history books, written down so that we don't repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence.
13No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.
If you know that there are distractions that will lead you astray... avoid them at all cost. You know on the caller ID that person means no good... don’t pick up the phone. You know you have issues with drinking... don’t go out where alcohol is at. You know you have a shopping addiction, find other venues in where you can avoid spending money frivolously. Do it and do it fast...
THOUGHT: If God is calling you to the mission... submit to Him. And while the deterrents will come about, know that the goals God has set for you are attainable. As long as you make the effort to stay focused on God... you can’t go wrong...
Vincent A. Davis, Jr.
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