A Made up Mind
There's a statement in the Gospel of Luke about Jesus which inspires me: "Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem (Luke 9:51). The word resolutely literally means, he "set his face like a flint." He was steadfast in his purpose.
Jerusalem for Jesus meant rejection and eventually, death. Even his own disciples tried to prevent him from going to Jerusalem. They knew the risk he was taking. Still, he resolutely set out for Jerusalem to do the will of God. The question is what have you resolutely set out to accomplish with such determination that you cannot be dissuaded? Remember, it's not what you feel it's what you will that brings success. Don't allow your emotions to rule your life. Make decisions based on what you will not on what you feel.
We put too much emphasis on what we feel and not enough on what we will.
I'm sure Noah didn't feel like building an ark and being the laughingstock of the community; but he obeyed God, built the ark and saved his family.
I'm sure Abraham didn't feel like taking Isaac to Moriah; but he arose early in the morning and set out to the place God showed him and discovered that God will provide.
I'm sure Moses didn't feel like going to Egypt and confronting Pharaoh; but he went in obedience and led Israel out of Egypt into the promises of God.
I'm sure Deborah didn't feel like leading Israel as a prophetess and judge in a society dominated by male leadership; but she took the challenge and led her nation to victory.
I'm sure David didn't feel like facing Goliath alone in battle; but he took his sling, along with five smooth stones, and declared, "I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts."
I'm sure Mary, the mother of Jesus, didn't feel like being chosen for the virgin birth. (Can you image trying to explain that to your fiancé, family and friends?) Yet, she said to the angel, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said."
I'm sure Jesus didn't feel like going to Calvary; but for the joy set before Him he endured the cross and redeemed the world.
I'm sure the apostle Paul didn't feel like preaching the gospel at the cost of rejection, imprisonment and eventually a martyr's death; but he declared, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course and I have kept the faith!"
Dr. David Cooper, Senior Pastor
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