Encouraged!

Encouraged!

Now may the God who gives endurance and who supplies encouragement grant that you be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, Romans 15:5 AMP

The Context and Focus:

As always, the audience and the context for the verse above are important. Paul is noted as the writer of the letter to the church in Rome, and he is careful to note the person he was writing to. These are 'all who are beloved of God...called to be saints (God’s people) and set apart for a sanctified life...' That is precise and exact. It leaves no room for doubt, as the precise description of the audience will  determine the experiences of, as well as the expectations from that same audience. All who are called to be saints, yet are left on earth, should know that there will be many opportunities to prove that they belong to Christ, are called by Him and are placed and planted by Him to impact the world. At no time does God promise that things will always be smooth sailing; in fact, in several places in the bible, he charges all who will come to Him to really count the cost, be aware of what is ahead, so they know the price, and can take up the cross on a daily basis, and follow Him.

The Message:

The same God who calls is the same God who supplies all I need for the walk with, and work for Him. Rather than promise me safery from trials, he promises me His endurance and encouragement. Why would I need endurance and encouragement if there wee no tough times ahead? Why would God promise to give endurance and also supply encouragement if there were no new grounds to conquer, souls to win, chains to break, and lives to impact? This journey of faith has many twists and turns, because God does not always show us the full picture all at once. He takes us through several routes and experiences, as He arms us with all we need for life and Godliness. He is the One with total knowledge of the plan for me, and it is only as I totally trust in and depend on Him that I get the full value of consolation needed for the journey he has planned for me. It is therefore important to define my identity, so I know what is ahead. 

The Conclusion:

It is when the inner state is settled, that the outer state will be at peace. How do you demand true peace from a man who does not know or submit to the Prince of peace? How do you expect a person to walk in unity with other people, if there is no common ground to do so? If our interests and pursuits are not aligned, based on the same foundation and built on the same principles, there cannot be one mind. Indeed, as Christians, we will not always see eye to eye on everything, but that common allegiance to Jesus ensures we view the bond of peace as more important than we being seen as right. All of us who bear true allegiance to Christ will have his mind too, because His Spirit lives in us. I cannot produce anything contrary to my command centre. If Jesus lives in me, His life will be made manifest in and through me. The same will be true for all who share this common ownership. I have to take stock again today, and check if the fruit of my life aligns with my claim of ownership. Jesus has done, and will continue to do all He can for me to show forth his glory. How I respond is up to me. God's time of favour is here.