Christian Race

What keeps you going in the Christian race? (2)

Ajimuda Boluwarin Temitope

‘Though days are long, are filled with care,
‘Though burdens seem so hard to bear;
No matter what my lot may be,
I’ll live for Him, who died for me.

Chorus:
I’ll live for Jesus day after day,
I’ll live for Jesus, let come what may;
The Holy Spirit I will obey,
And live for Jesus, day after day.

Everyone must define the reason he/she is in Christ.Even if you don’t,life will define it for you.The crowd that was looking for Jesus had an ulterior motive.They were not doing that because they wanted to be his disciples nor were they willing to do what he said.

“They found him on the other side of the lake and asked, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs”-John 6:25-26

They didn’t see Jesus as the promised Messiah.They only saw him as a provider of bread in times of need!

For Peter,he never believed Christ could be that vulnerable to the point that the Jews would crucify him.How could they have done that? Jesus that spoke to the wind and it obeyed him?Jesus that commanded Lazarus to rise from the dead?

So it was a disaster when Peter’s master was arrested.He was beaten to a pulp,he didn’t resist.He didn’t call down fire to consume them! Peter even followed him to where judgement would be executed, thinking maybe Jesus would use ‘rhema’ to free himself.Jesus never did that.Eventually,he was crucified.

By the time Jesus rose from the dead,Peter had mobilised his fellow disciples to go back to their fishing job! This was Peter that promised to always be with Jesus! His love for Christ was put to test and he failed.

“After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you”-John 21:15

Little did Peter know that every confession of your love to God will be put to test!

Are you in this Christian race because of the miraculous acts of God? If yes,there is nothing bad in it provided you know the reasons behind the miracles.

Are you motivated in this race because God is good and sweet? Yes,God is good and He is good all the times! When He gives you what you want,He is good! When He refuses to give you what you ask from Him,He is good!The God on the mountains is the God in the valleys.You don’t quit the race because he is not good to you today.You don’t stop praying or quit your relationship with God because of negative situations.

Decide today to serve the Lord irrespective of your circumstances.Purpose in your heart to follow Him whether there is bread to eat or not.In season and out of season,run your race with perseverance.

I’ll live for Jesus day after day,
I’ll live for Jesus, let come what may;
The Holy Spirit I will obey,
And live for Jesus, day after day.

Shalom.