STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

Eccl 10:15; 7:8; Prov 24:10; Isa 40:28-31; 1Kgs 19:4-8

It is not just enough to embark on a journey, it is wise to embark on the right journey in the right direction and getting to the destination strong. Jesus said '♍Y̶̲̅ will is to do the will of Him that has sent me and to FINISH His work'. (John 4:34). It is no more news that the journey of the year 2014 is another work that the Almighty God has given to us and we are under a strong obligation to finish well and strong for better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof.

One of the major need for us as we embark on this journey with the aim of finishing well is STRENGTH. It is good to note that even though the joy of a new beginning, the ecstasy of new dreams and visions and many motivational talks and charges around might have generated a seeming fresh kind of enthusiasm within us but the true test of strength is when it passes through trials and challenges without quitting. Solomon the Wise said 'If you faint in the days of adversity, thy strength is little.'

Strength generated from without us (from motivational talks, circumstances, environments etc) can only take us so far. There is a need for a reservoir of strength released from above and generated from within to really win in this race of life. The fools get confused early in the journey because they have their strength exhausted early as they proceed. God told Joshua to be strong because HE knows that it takes strength to fulfil divine purpose. If you must fulfil divine purpose in 2014, you must receive strength from the true source of God. The Psalmist affirmed 'The Lord is the strength of ♍Y̶̲̅ life', little wonder He finished well.

Prayers: ♍Y̶̲̅ Father, I acknowledge You as the strength of ♍Y̶̲̅ life. Please grant me Thy strength that I may the purpose for which You have enlisted me for the journey of this new year. Amen!!

LOOK UP TO GO UP

IF YOU MUST GO UP, YOU MUST LOOK UP

Psalms 121:1-3; Heb 12:1-2; John11:41; Mark 6:41

Every upward journey demands an upward focus. God specializes in giving us vision in the direction of our destination in life according to His plans for us and He expects that we look in the direction of this destination irrespective of the challenges we face on the journey. Little wonder, Jesus said that if our eye be single, our whole body will be full of light. Heaven places much value on those who value them enough to look up to them in points of needs instead of looking in other directions.

Challenges on the journey are normal occurrences for anyone who will finish strong and receive the trophy at the end of the journey. The greater the challenges, the greater the value of the trophy to be won after the contest. Likewise, challenges are not to mar or break us, they are designed on our path to make us fit for the next level of the journey and assignment. However, where we look up to in times of challenges determines if truly we would be made or marred after such challenge. The Psalmist said ‘I will lift up my eyes to the hill. From whence my help comes?’ where you look up to in times of challenges reveals who you trust in.

At a point in the ministry of Jesus on the earth, He was faced with the great challenge of feeding 5000 men in a location where food cannot be bought and where there was no food available to be served. He got just 5 loaves and 2 fishes for the great multitude yet He was not moved. When He took the loaves and the fishes, he shifted His gaze away from the little resources and also from the great resources and fixed it upon Him who dwells in heaven with whom all things are possible. When He looked up to God in heaven, God looked down to him in mercy and miracle was birthed.

Many of us have lost our various miracles because we shift our focus away from the one who can help. Our help comes not from abroad but from above. We should have faith strong enough in God to always look up to Him all circumstances. Likewise, Jesus faced with the tomb of Lazarus also shifted His gaze away from the deadness of Lazarus neither was He focused on the crowd of professional mourners. He looked up again and another miracle was birthed. Friends, if you must enjoy miracles on the upward journey of life, never be tempted to take your gaze away from God who above you.

When you look down, you would feel relaxed because you will have a sense of accomplishment that you are still better than others. When you look around you, you would the distractions and side attractions of no worth just like Peter on the stormy seas. When you take off your eye away from Jesus to the world around you, you would start to sink but when you look up to Him with whom is your help, you will win and share your testimonies.

Prayers:  In spite of all the challenges around, fears within me, Father help me to keep fixing my gaze on You and Your Christ.