THE OVER-COMING LIFE

The Scriptures tell us plainly that we must not fear men. But somehow we get scared of them again and then again. It’s not so much a fear of pain as fear of what they think. If we are called religious nuts, it drives us to the brink. We don’t like looking stupid when walking round and round. But it’s the things they say and think that push us underground. Deliberate hostility and dying for The Lord, Is somehow much preferable. For dying by the sword, Is much more like a hero. But words behind the back, Is more intimidating that their direct attack. We know that it is silly, but that is how we’re made. We’d rather die a million deaths than show we are afraid. Their sticks and stones may hurt us but words can harm us more. And being called a crazy man; -- let’s not go through that door. So when we stand before them, who wants to testify? We’d rather all be silent and wish that we could die. Embarrassment is horrible. It makes us look much less, Than what we want them all to think; “Dear Jesus, What a mess!” He speaks of this in Matthew. He warns what will take place. The ones who long for righteousness, this is what they will face. The people will insult them and tell a bunch of lies. They hated Him without a cause; to us this truth applies. They couldn’t stand His righteousness. It cut them to the core. And when we take a stand for Christ, they’ll hate us so much more. But really it’s no problem, provided we stand firm. Get used to names like “Jesus freak” or some related term. Always look to Jesus, our purpose and our goal. Knowing that if we stand firm, His love will make us whole. The devil may go frantic and burn us at the stake; The way they did with Cranmer. But we will not forsake, The One Who makes it worth it. We know they’ll do their worst. But if we stick with Jesus it’s not us who’ll be cursed. We’ll be an over-comer and will not be ashamed. The very opposite is true. By Jesus we’ll be claimed. We’ll live with Him forever. Like Him we may have scars. But that is so much better that Hell’s hot prison bars. And God will then have finished, that which He first began; To turn a sinner to a saint and make a “perfect” man. Jim Strickland – written Saturday, 08 October 2011