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October 7, 2008
Outlook is Everything
As long as you have Jesus ... You Win! |
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Greetings!
It has been 4 days since my surgery. Things are going well. Thank you for your prayer and well wishes. I am making a good recovery.
The doctor said the surgery was successful and he was able to "clean out" my knee and remove the torn part of my meniscus. However, he also shared the bad news that my knee is worse than he thought and that replacement is inevitable. Still, I am grateful that the repairs were made as I will undoubtedly feel better than before.
One of the lessons I am learning through this season is the importance of a positive outlook. I understand life is not perfect and "roses" and "rainbows". Life is hard and we need to train to win. But, I am blessed to be in a relationship with Jesus Christ and He is victorious! He wins, won, and will always win! My life is tied to His and thus my outlook to His. I am a winner ... bum knee and all.
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25 "These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; 27 for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God. 28 I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father." 29 His disciples said to Him, "See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech! 30 Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God." 31 Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? 32 Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
~ John 16:25-33 ~ |
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The Promises
The outlook for the world is not good. The economy is horrible, the job market is down, morality is plummeting, and the church often looks like the world. Are you surprised? You shouldn't be. Jesus stated, "in the world you will have tribulation". But, there is cause for great hope for Jesus also said, "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world".
The promises of Jesus are 1) the enemy will rule and sway this world; and 2) Jesus wins no matter what! These are tough promises to accept but necessary for a peaceful and fruitful life. The bottom line is this ... life is tough and you simply cannot make it without Jesus!
One promise guarantees the trouble we are experiencing today while the other promise guarantees the elusive peace and abundant life we all desire. Although the promises of Christ seem contradictory they are actually complementary. Life is hard and we need to train to win. We train as we drop our ownership rights to life and submit to the methods of Jesus, our King.
Friend, you are going to hit troubled times. It will happen. This is not a prediction or a prophecy but a fact. It is one of the promises we find in the Bible. The question is, "How are you going to handle the trial or tribulation?" Will you do it with God or fight it in human strength? Remember, your life and death are tied to Jesus and thus your victory. Change your outlook and you change the game!
This week, take time to slow down and appreciate all Christ has purchased for you and you will find peace in the middle of the roughest storm. The promises of Jesus are real and He is able and willing to back them up with all of heaven's resources. We simply need to trust and follow His lead. We need to take on His amazing outlook in the face of his sacrificial death ... "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world". To your victory through His!
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For King and Kingdom,
Randy Martin |
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