WOW...It is that time yet again for the World Cup football in South Africa. Lots of teams, lots of cheers and lots of countries are represented. Many teams got defeated and had to go back home (including England-my team). I have in this World Cup 2010 watched teams that were bad in the beginning but got better and better as time went on. They never quit looking at themselves as winners. They saw themselves winning the world cup. They may have dropped out at some point but they didn't give up. They kept on going as they heard their supporters cheer them on.
But unlike football which requires the players to use physical strength, the Bible encourages us to draw spiritual energy and strength from the Lord Himself. When everything seems to be falling a part, when our expectations do not materialize or our dreams don't come true, we need to draw energy from the Lord. Things in life may not go as desired (have experienced that even more recently), we need not try using our own energy and strength to achieve. Human nature will more than likely dictate the latter.
When the Apostle Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus, his life was forever changed. Prior to meeting Jesus, Paul was "breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples" (Acts 9:1). After the encounter with Jesus and being filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul "began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God" (Acts 9:20).
Paul had been given the task of preaching the gospel of God's grace through faith in Jesus; and he would do so for the remainder of his life. But Paul would endured many trials along the way. He faced those who desired to take his life and others who simply refused to listen to his message...but he continued on.
Colossi ans 1:29
"To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me."
Paul "labored" and "struggled" with the task he had been given. But rather than rely on his own strength and abilities, Paul learned to labor with the energy of Christ.
The word Paul used for "energy" refers to the active working of God's power. Paul used this same word to describe the power all believers have received from God; "That power is like the working {energy} of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at the right hand in the Heavenly realms" (Ephesians 1:19-20).
God has provided a power like the energy which flowed through Jesus and raised Him from the dead. This is a remarkable gift, yet one we seldom use. With His energy we can receive clear direction; we can be focused and accomplish all He desires. Without His energy we may wander from task to task, become exceedingly weary, and never accomplish anything of eternal value.
As we go a long, there will be times of overwhelming adversity when God simply takes charge and directly fights the enemy. But, for the majority of our journey, God directs us to continue struggling in the daily labor of accomplishing His work. Jesus said the burden of this work will be greatly eased as we learn to attach ourselves to Him and walk by His side; "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:30).
We only fail in His work when we fail to trust; "I can do EVERYTHING through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). God's path can certainly change direction and become difficult from time to time, but His provision will always be sufficient and it is ALWAYS too soon to quit - we must continue. We can do all things and find great fulfillment as we attach ourselves to Christ and labor with all HIS energy. He is the giver of life and everything was created by Him ans for him.
THIS IS OUR GOD!!
Have a blessed day!!
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