cannyben

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus….” Romans 8:1 Sometimes we think we have to pay God back for our mistakes and sins, and we try to do it by being discouraged to show Him that we’re sorry, that we’re remorseful. True, there should be genuine remorse when we do something wrong. The point is that once we ask God for forgiveness, we don’t have to pay Him back. The price has already been paid on the cross. But when we live feeling guilty, we’re saying, in effect, the sacrifice Christ made wasn’t enough. We’re saying, “Let us add something to it. Let me do my part by paying some kind of penalty for the wrongs we’ve done.” Living under guilt and condemnation doesn’t bring any honour to God. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 Jesus acknowledged that we’re going to have challenges in this life, and everything is not going to be perfect. Nevertheless, He added, “Be of good cheer.” He didn’t say to be discouraged, to be upset, to be sad, or to be offended If the enemy can deceive you into living discouraged, he’ll be able to defeat you at every turn. Don’t fall into that trap. Your circumstances may not change, but you can change. Jesus says stay cheerful, be good-natured.

“But Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you”. 2 Kings 2:2 When the prophet Elijah was about to be taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, three times he told his assistant Elisha that he did not need to go with him to Bethel. But Elisha, who had taken care of Elijah faithfully, wouldn’t hear of it. His attitude was, “I’m committed to you. I was with you in the good times of miracles, and I’m going to be with you to the end.” Elisha had plenty of reasons to walk away, but he was committed. Because he stayed committed to serving Elijah, Elisha received a double portion of Elijah’s anointing and ended up performing twice as many miracles as Elijah did. When we stay committed to our church, or, when we do the right thing when the wrong thing is happening, God will make things happen that we couldn’t make happen.