Looking Homeward

I don’t know about you, but my year of 2011 is off to a pretty rough start. It seems that no matter which direction my family or I turn, obstacles and trials block our path and obstruct our view of the things that lie ahead.

I suppose that is just the course of life …troubles come and troubles go. In fact, Scripture tells us in no uncertain terms that we will encounter trials, troubles, even persecution in the living of our lives. James 1: 2 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

Notice the writer here did not say “if” trials come, but “when” trials come. You see, trials are part of the enormity of life….we all have them and we all must deal with them…each in our own unique way; but for a Christian facing trials, the bar has been raised. We are to consider it ….JOY!!!!!!

Now, does that mean we are to be giddy and bubbly when we encounter hard times? Certainly not; however, we are to take comfort, find peace or even encounter joy in the journey. For as His chosen, we know our Guide and we know that Jesus has gone before us in every trial or trouble we might face….So we can press on by looking homeward.

Yes, we must do as our Savior did when pressed on all sides…when in Hell, He kept his eyes on Heaven…when surrounded by His enemies, He focused on His Father and the Father’s will….and when all had forsaken Him, He kept looking forward to the promise of home and His rightful seat at the right hand of the Heavenly Father.

Today, all things may come against you; you may be betrayed, defamed and ridiculed. You may feel that all the planets are aligned against you; you may be cornered and hemmed in on all sides…..so what shall you do….REJOICE….and look homeward for help, sustenance and your measure of perseverance that is given to those who diligently seek to serve the Lord.

Look homeward and see the Savior …seated by the Father ….and your strength will be renewed and joy will overflow as you think of all He has done for you.

Looking Homeward …Persevering with Joy,
WPQ

Thought for the Day:

Father in heaven please grant me
When faced by earthly foes;
A spirit that will not tremble
And be undone by earthly woes.

Let me cast my eyes toward heaven
To see you seated on your Throne…
Lord, grant me joy and perseverance
And may I never walk alone.

WPQ Jan 2011