For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. - Philippians 1:19-26
Christians are foreigners on Earth. The Bible says that our home, our citizenship, is in Heaven.
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (Philippians 3:20-21).
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. - Ephesians 2:19-22
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. - John 15:18-20
If you are saved, there is a longing in your soul to be home, homesickness. However, as Paul states in Philippians, even though it is far better to be in heaven with Jesus Christ where there is no suffering, pain, sorrow, or poverty, we are given each day by God and until He calls us home, we are to do our best each day on Earth and live for Him.
Being fearful of humans, becoming bitter or angry at circumstances, letting depression and sorrow control you, are not the Christian behaviors, mentality, or the life we are called to live. God tells us that we will face many trials, we, as Christians and followers of Jesus Christ, we will face persecution (if we are truly living for God), and because this world is sinful and we are sinful, we will have hardships, sorrows, and pain. However, we are to remain strong and steadfast, leaning on Jesus as our cornerstone, as our firm foundation in an uncertain, weak world.
I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth— praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord. - Psalm 40:1-3
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. - Psalm 51:10
He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. - Psalm 112:7
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. - 1 Corinthians 15:57-58
For He is the living God, and steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall endure to the end. - Daniel 6:26b
This world can only offer brokenness, uncertainty, injustice, falsehood, and temporary items, but if we are truly living for God and trusting in Him then we do not accept the world's offers or become panicked at its uncertainty. Instead, we know and believe that God is in control of all things, God fixes what is broken, God fulfills His promises, God brings justice, God is truth, God is everlasting! We find peace and comfort in His Word and remain steadfast in the race we are to run, knowing that once we reach the finish line all will be made clear and we will be rewarded for not giving up but for running the race to the best of our ability with the Holy Spirit's help.
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:12-14
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:1-2
not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; - Romans 12:11-12
Are we running the race, giving our weaknesses to God and letting His strength sustain us? Are we running the race, focusing on the end goal? Are we running the race, leaving our baggage and anything that weighs us down behind so we can run well? You can't run the race and leisure in the world, if you are truly saved then you give all to God and leave the cares of this world to Him. Read Hebrews 11
As in water face reflects face, so a man’s heart reveals the man. - Proverbs 27:19
Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. - Matthew 10:26
Needed words for the times we are now in!
Good message and words for all today.
Thank you, Carina, for this encouraging message!