The One Who Conquers!

You keep thinking about them results.

And it makes you try harder. Because you so want to be of use. You so want to be of value and significance in His Kingdom, to be a difference and make a legacy. So you keep thinking of them results, counting that fruit, desiring that success.

And it all just makes you want to try harder. And harder. You strive for them results, trying to be of use and of value to God.

But wait there a minute, you.

That’s not where or how Christ’s life is alive and well in you. That’s not when He will be seen for all. That’s not why He is glorified in you. Never! Not by your trying so hard to make it happen. Not by your motivation and determination to work so hard for Him. No! That’s not how Christ is raised high. Never!

Do you not remember why it is you are so passionate about the LORD? Why it is you want to try so hard for Him? Do you not remember the reason? Do you not remember the amazing grace He poured out over you the moment you felt least-deserving? Do you not remember the unmerited mercy He pardoned to you when you felt hopelessly guilt- ridden? It was why you surrendered all to Him.

Because you knew it was Christ alone Who could save you, so you chose Christ, standing in awe at what He did for you. For you knew you couldn’t save yourself then. It was Christ Who came for you, to conquer death in you, to raise you to new life in Him. It was all Christ. Remember? He has done it all for you!

Simply because you are His. And He loves you. Because you are of such great value to Him. Already. Your worth, your value, your being of use, was all determined at the Cross and the Cross alone. Already. It’s why Jesus came in the first place - for you, His treasured one.

And it’ll make you rest longer. That knowing will. Knowing that your worth, your value, your significance, is all found in Him alone, apart from your strivings. For you are priceless to Him. God created you just the way you are for His glory, knowing He will work in you great things, just as you are, all apart from your efforts to make work.

And it all just makes you want to rest longer. And longer. And abide more and more. With your Saviour. In your Redeemer. Next to your Lord.

Now rejoice there a minute, you!

You are resting and abiding because you want to, because He is life to you and He loves you! And you are keeping in vital union with Him, with your Lord. So rejoice! You have conquered, and you now sit on your Lord’s throne with Him! With Jesus, all the time!!

That, is the desired result you cannot strive to make happen by some sort of method, or focus on to acheive by some sort of effort. No, the desired result will happen as you learn to abide in, rejoice in, and receive from Jesus. It’s where Christ is alive and well in you, always! Apart from them results. Amen!

****

“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked... Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” - Revelation 3:15-17, 20-22