GIVE IN----GIVE UP----OR GET ON

Funny how God repeats Himself in scripture. Is He forgetful? Nope we are. Well, maybe not so much forgetful as we are dull of hearing. I was reading in Revelation this morning about the seven churches that were sent letters. At the end of each letter, there was the same closing statement. "TO HIM WHO OVERCOMES."

Strange isn't it? That the statement carries with it the idea of resistance, as if things, people or situations would arise that would try to hinder or stop God's word from moving forward. The other thing that caught my brain was the phrase "To him."  As if this were an individual mandate even though the letter was addressed to the church. 

If you want to get to the heart of the matter when it comes to relationship with Christ, we have an enemy who wants to attack us on so many levels. Probably the greatest attack is when he seeks to take our life. If the devil can't kill you, he will throw things into your daily life trying to get you to "Give in" and operate in the ways of this world. Romans 12:2 tells us that we are not to be Conformed to this world. Some versions of scripture read that we are not to be conformed to the patterns (or way of living) of this world. He wants us to give in and simply become one of the blind souls that follow his dictates and instructions which are given to feed our flesh (sin-nature).

If the devil cannot get us to give in....he will do his best to get us to give up. Have you ever been to this place where life is so hard and you are so tired that you just want to give up? I have stood at the edge of this pit more times than I can count. But God in His faithfulness always draws me away and turns my attention to Himself and His word. Such a turning always reenergizes me to get away from the "giving up" place as fast as I can. I turn my mind and my heart to Him as I pray and read from His world.

The last part of this spiritual equation of "give in - give up" is the best piece of instruction a body could receive from God. GET ON!  Get on with His kingdom business that is a part of our daily lives. Telling our story, being there for others, encouraging one another to not give up or give in. TO make sure that those around us don't fall prey to the age old trap set by the devil.

SO where do you live today spiritually? Are you ready to give in and live according to the world's directives? Are you so broken and battered that you are ready to give up? Or do you feel that flame inside you given by God that whispers "GET ON."

Don't let the enemy rob you of what God is growing you into. Don't let the process of following God be halted by having your attention turned from Him so you can gaze and long for the things of this world.

Think on this today, and as always......God on you!

Michael b