16. riverbeds
If there is one thing that I’ve learned through the sanctifying moments since surrendering to Christ, it’s that He is faithful and I never want to forget it.
The book of Joshua begins with the Israelites entering into the promise land. God just rescued them from years of slavery, gave them a covenant, and led them through the wilderness.
They crossed the Jordan and placed 12 stones into the river bed, so that during seasons of drought the stones would be revealed and they and their children and their children’s children would remember all that the Lord has done.
I want to do the same. Only instead of stones, I hope to write the stories about how Jesus is delivering and revealing Himself to me as a reminder that He is composing incredible things and will continue to do so. After stepping into the place the Lord prepared for them, the Israelites weren’t able to relax in hammocks and sit around in bliss just yet. They were met with hostility and battles and really tough times.
This is the same reality for those who Jesus has claimed, today.
Paradise is on the horizon, but much has to happen until it sets. I am on a mission because God is on a mission.
Matthew 2414 says as much…
The good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to the nations. And then the end will come.
He chose me to be a part of this plan. He chose us to be the primary method of this proclamation!
There is a guarantee of suffering and peace woven into my life now; but I am thankful for a God who is loving enough to not cast visions of false hope for perfect circumstances in the world at hand that is so clearly imperfect. Praise Jesus for His word written down where we can see that the darkness is invading no doubt, but Christ’s life, death, and resurrection is absolute and triumphant.
For now I’m sure I will be persecuted for my faith, experience loss, heartache, and trouble still unknown to me, that will threaten to cast away my joy and question if Jesus is worth it. But death where is your sting!
Because of the cross I can walk around with the resurrection power of Jesus in my bones. I pray to never be ashamed of this good news that has set me wildly free. The danger of such a desire is probably more than I can fathom, but I have tasted and seen that God is good and my life is no longer my own. I feel safer than I ever have, because my fortress is the promises and sure purposes of Jesus, the One who will never fail.
Saying yes to Christ means standing in the gap of His kingdom coming.
But this war is for us and for His glory.
God is on the move. The great I AM declares to go before me, behind me, beside me, and reside in me (Deuteronomy 31:8) so let it reign.
For the angels of the Lord encamp around those who fear Him (Psalm 34:7).