Rewarded

Matthew 5: 1: And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, … 12: Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

 

Connection With Reward

Connection with Jesus is a connection with reward.  The reward is not free.  It comes with great price in this world and great blessing in the next.  Sometimes we want that formula changed to blessing here and blessing there.  There is a time of blessing in this world.  There is a time of persecution in this world.  Sometimes they are the same item.  When we follow Jesus, we must be willing to embrace both and not be deterred by either.  To address persecution as blessing is an enigma only those that know the honor of being joined with Christ can understand.

 

Ann’s Dilemma

The press against Ann was intense.  She had taken this new position in obedience more than desire.  Over the last few years, she had seen the team go from pitiful performers to top class award winners.  The team performance was receiving notice from across the company.  Ann simply prayed to be faithful and do the right things.  God had answered and given her favor and wisdom.  The results were good for the company many times over.  Now, she had been promoted in place of her director.  The rumors in the workplace were heavy.  People talked.  All she wanted to do was serve faithfully.  This was a blessing.  This was a persecution.

 

ACT!  The fear of persecution has stopped more than one person from stepping into greatness in God.  Is there a fear in you of blessing that leads to success?  Are you afraid of the concurrent potential persecution?   Put down the fear.  Understand that God, Himself is on your side.  He will strengthen you in blessing, though it may take all the strength you have in Him to truly enjoy.

 

PRAY!   Father, deliver me from the fear of greatness.  Deliver me from the evil that would avoid victory because of the attendant persecution.  Break loud in my soul the blessing of Your assignment.  Teach me to fearlessly embrace the victorious living in Christ.  Teach me that persecution is the greatest blessing when it finds me because of faithfulness to Your name and Your assignment for my life.

 

 

Phil Larson, 508 Tumbleweed Dr., Yukon, Oklahoma 73099  405-388-8037