The pre-existence of the Word

 Tell the righteous that it shall be well Part 7

Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. 11 Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him, For the reward of his hands shall be given him (Isaiah 3:10, 11).

 

For there is hope

The life of a believer is bound to encounter stormy seasons that may bring one down from a high position to a lowly and humbling situation. In such state of affairs, the victory will not be determined by the magnitude of the storm and the gifting of the believer. But, by how one handles the situation. This calls for character. Unfortunately, character is birthed after persevering the birth pains of tribulations. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:3-5). Therefore, the righteous should always rejoice in hope and persevere in trials.

 

Even so, when tried and almost in despair, we derive our strength from the promises of God, as they never fail and His steadfast love never ceases. This gives us hope which is an anchor by which we pull ourselves out of the deep mire of mud. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil (Hebrews 6:19). The hope that sustained Abraham for 25 years, yet without a son, he believed he would be a father of a great nation. Sustained Caleb for 40 years, and when he was 85, he believed God would still grant him nations as inheritance. Upheld Joseph through slavery and prison for 13 years and his dream came to fruition.

 

This draws the thin line of distinction between the righteous and the unrighteous. On one hand, the hopes of the righteous are rewarded. The hope of the righteous will be gladness, but the expectation of the wicked will perish (Proverbs 10:28). On the other hand, …, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous (Proverbs 13:22). On the other hand, …. but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. … (Ecclesiastes 2:26). This demands for us to choose wisely on our focus, either trust in God or laboring to sink broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

 

Fear and anxiety misguide us in the area of focus. Therefore, focusing on obstacles and not the destiny. Target fixation is a term that was first used during the World War II. Pilots who flew bombers crashed into their target, as they focused on the target rather than where they wanted to fly. Psychologists refers to this phenomenon of target fixation as a situation when a person is anxious and focus onto an obstacle rather than the target. This leads to blind spots. Consequently, accidents irrespective of the precautions taken (Bridge, 2017). When we focus on thing and not the Kingdom, we are bound to miss out on the Kingdom and earthly processions. Nonetheless, when our focus is the Kingdom, material blessings are added to us.  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33).

 

More often than not, we fret the evil doers who prosper from their dubious schemes. However, they have already received their reward. For one cannot choose their action and at the same time choose the consequences. The actions automatically choses the consequences. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life (Galatians 6:7-8). Seed time and harvest time are as sure as sunrise.

 

Even when live beats us and we are down and out, there is still hope. We can cling on to the hope and focus on the destiny and not the current situation.  For there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its tender shoots will not cease. 8 Though its root may grow old in the earth, and its stump may die in the ground. 9 Yet at the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth branches like a plant (Job 14:7-9). The determining factor of our future is not the current situation but the state of our hearts. Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls 18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation (Habakkuk 3:17,18). This is the secret and strategy that Habakkuk had. He carried his own weather, and refused the situation to determine his disposition. Obstacles, challenges and storms are bound to cross our paths of life. However, they should not distract us from guarding our hearts and focusing on our destiny. If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small (Proverbs 24:10). Quitters never win, we must at all cost avoid target fixation on the situations and focus on the destiny.

 

I admire the church of Philadelphia as recorded in the book of revelation. Though they had little strength, they kept the Word. They were not distracted by challenges. They pressed on despite the challenges. I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name (Revelation 3:8). For God is faithful to make a way of escape from every temptation, storm and predicament, so that we are able to bear it.

 

 

Bridge, M. (February, 2017). Target Fixation when getting there at any cost becomes the only option. Arborist News. February 2017, pp:46-47.