Walking the narrow road is never easy, as we know. There are many things that try to sway us from walking on the path that God created, prepared, and called us to; the one the Holy Spirit leads us on, guiding, direction, and teaching us along the way, and the one that Jesus said is the only way to LIFE. It is for the road that we have been saved and for a purpose, greater than we have ever known, that we have been created. It is because now we are a chosen race of God's.
In 1 Peter 2:9 & 10 it says:
"...but you are A CHOSEN RACE, a royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY..."
Transferring us from sin and a kingdom of darkness to a salvation and a kingdom of God's (Colossians 1:13 & 14), we now have been set apart from the world to become what God calls us a different race of people. One that is saved and has a higher calling, and that is to proclaim the mercies of God!
As Christians, we now are commanded by our awesome, saving God, to share what He has done for and in us with the world. We are to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing the love and knowledge of who He is and what Jesus has done for us. This is what sets us apart from the world!! Because of He who knows and lives in us, the Holy Spirit, God's amazing gift has now made us HOLY. Now made us into a PRIESTHOOD and a HOLY PEOPLE to be set apart for God's will, glory, and purposes. What an amazing work He has done for us!!!
What was once lost has been found. What was once covered in sin - our soul - now rejoices in the Light of Jesus Christ, in cleanliness and robbed in righteousness! And now, we have work to do, to share the mercies and love of our Savior.
Christians near and far, share your faith. Live for Christ - 100%. Remember, that He is with you. He is, the Guardian and Shepherd of your soul. Jesus holds you and is with you. If you are under persecution because of the way you live, if you are being threatened to recant your faith, if you are hearing doubts about who you believe in and why Jesus is your Savior, know that your hardships are a good, right, and a CONFIRMING work of Jesus in your life. (James 1:2 - 3). Your life will confirm or deny what you live for a what you worship.
"For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOW WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls" - 1 Peter 2:21 - 25
If you are feeling weak, battled down, and as if hope is fading, fix your eyes on Jesus once again, the Author and Perfector of you Faith. There are a cloud of witnesses surrounding you, testifying of the faithfulness and goodness of our LORD. Remember, when you are persecuted, Jesus is persecuted, and He knows the ins-and-outs of your pain, hardship, and trials. He has overcome the world, and you are in Him. Rest in the LORD, He will carry you.
"For consider Him [Jesus] who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:3
Know, dear friends, you are being lifted up continually to walk with Jesus faithfully until He calls you home. May you be strengthened and encouraged by the LIVING God today!
Love in Jesus,
Cassie
