STAND STILL, DONT GIVE UP; HOLD ON!
As the year runs swiftly to an end, determine to run the race to a fruitful end and move into the coming new year of unusual and uncommon events. You may look back at the year just ending and the New Year resolution you made at the beginning of the year and begin to think you have not accomplished much. Such thoughts could erupt disappointment, pressure, stress and discouragement but do not give up because the year has not ended. The end of the year is not the end of life rather its the beginning of a new year. You need not compare your achievements with that of your neighbors or your co-workers. Make no mistake to compare your achievements with that of your spouse; it does suppose to be complementary. More-so it is not Gods way. Its not unusual for human minds to count first their losses instead of their gains and blessings. We should give God thanks and praise for great things He has done because dead men neither praise nor thank God; know all in life is a gift from God. Its not because you worked harder than other people but simply enjoying Gods favor and blessings.
Do not tell me youre fed up with life and have already been thinking of quitting or dropping the bomb. That is simply a defeatist idea; quitters dont win and winner dont quit. Even if you had pondered on all the mid-night prayer battles engaged on and have not obtained most of your expectations, it is not yet over until it is over. The hymn writer says, God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform. You may not know how close you are to your breakthrough. The battle is the hottest just before your breakthrough. Also the battle is the hottest just before your liberation. Again, a minute after midnight is day break and a new day. One of the minor yet powerful prophets of the old testament wrote, As for me, I watch in hope for the Lord; I wait for God, my Savior, My God will hear and save me [Micah 7:7]. To watch in hope means to be vigilant, sentinel and alert yet expecting; trust that God will honor Himself and keep His promises. Even though waiting is a lost virtue in our instant generation, there is a waiting period between the time of sowing and reaping. There is so much rush for wealth and get-rich-quick. The consequences are: impatience, greed and covetousness as well as murder.
The Gospel of Luke 4:13 says after the devil had completed his temptations on Jesus he departed for a season [or until an opportune time] not for ever. It simply shows, devils know how not to give up; they find another chance to launch intensive attacks of mass destruction. They understand life is a battle. So why do we give up? Why do children of God not learn from the devices and strategies of Satan and his agents? We must fight until the battle is won; watch and pray ceaselessly. In the hymn, Christian seek not yet repose, verse three says, Gird thy heavenly armor on, wear it ever night and day; ambushed lies the evil one, watch and pray.
Be careful and watchful because the enemies will always attempt to use people within our households, families, ministries or offices [Micah 7: 6b]. Remember that the enemies outside are powerless without the enemies inside; understand the difference between love your neighbor and trust your neighbor. Little wonder Apostle Paul admonishes Christians, Finally be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole [not part] armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil above all taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit that is the word of God. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit [Ephesians 6:10-18].This admonition is more relevant today than when it was first spoken because we are living in the perilous days.
Another little known old testament prophet prophesied, For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak and not lie; though it tarries, wait for it because it will surely come, it will not tarry [Habakkuk 2:3]. It does not depend on the scientific reports of best brains or economic news on the media or perhaps on negative medical prophesy upon your life. It does not matter how crazy the year has been and all you have been passing through, your year will end in peace and glory. Just ask for the grace to tarry /wait for your divine appointment. We win many lifes rewards by learning how to hang in there and work till the very end. So stay away from avoidable pressure and stress and stop worrying and being always in a hurry. The outside stresses do more damage inside, if not checked. Jesus asked, Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life [Matthew 6:27].
Our Daily Manna named and treated the consequences of stress and worries to include: Do away with self blaming for the silly thing you did; that will never change. Think about a solution than making little problem appear huge. When things happen, stop blaming others: spouse, parents, government, pastors and co-workers etc. Avoid being in the state of urgency [always in a hurry and leaving late for scheduled events]. Respect and always keep to time; its the soul of business. Stop exaggerating consequences of mistakes made because most of the fears we worry about never happen. Let go the past so that new things could stand; holding resentment and bitterness is the barrier to Gods Spirit and peace as well as moving forward. No matter how ugly you may think the passing year has been, avoid rush, short cuts, anxieties and being stressed out but just thank God for life; His amazing grace and richness in mercy on you, loved ones and even your unfriendly friends.
Dont forget the Lord has brought you thus far for a reason; He will not let you down. Even if you decide to quit on God, He will never give up on you. Those who trust and depend on the Lord may have rough trips but safe ending. Napoleon Hill wrote, No man is ever whipped until he quits, in his own mind. When your summer turns into deadly winter, dont give up. Stand still, fight on and hold on; its darkest just before dawn. The devil may win many battles but God wins the war. Pray with me: Lord, as I wait expectantly, refresh my spirit again and let your praise fill my lips that I may give you thanks. I release myself from all fears anxieties. Help me to seek your will when the way ahead is not clear and not to fail you in times of trials; to offer you my wholehearted devotion and to remain steadfast and immovable in your presence and will, Amen. I wish you all the best of Christmas and fruitful New Year.
Reach: Evangelist Ogbonnaya, Godswill@weefreeministries.org or P. O. Box 720035, Houston, Texas, 77272.