Romans 8:28 Geneva Bible (GNV)
28 Also we know that all things work together for THE BEST unto them that love God, even to them that are called of his purpose.
Between initial Salvation and Eternity with Christ, is a journey on this earth. We as believers know from Scripture that Salvation in the Blood of Jesus and Eternity with Him is God's best. That is the beginning and the end. All who come by the way of the cross and trust in the finished work of Christ Jesus alone for salvation will experience that "eternal best".
But what about that middle part? The part where we walk with the Lord as His followers on the earth?
But what about that middle part? The part where we walk with the Lord as His followers on the earth?
What does "God's Best" look like for the individual believer? Are all believers to experience the same "best" on earth or does that "best" depend on God's unique plan for each unique believer? Scripture will shed light:
Romans 8:28 Geneva Bible (GNV)
28 Also we know that all things work together for THE BEST unto them that love God, even to them that are called of his purpose.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NKJV)
4 There are DIVERSITIES of gifts, but the SAME Spirit.
5 There are DIFFERENCES of ministries, but the SAME Lord.
6 And there are diversities of ACTIVITIES, but it is the same God who works ALL in ALL.
In that middle part of the road, what's best for one believer may not be what's best for the next. Only God knows. Certainly, as humans, we tend to believe that what worked best for us, must necessarily be what works best for those around us. But this simply is not the case. Paul indicates that paths can differ... but they are all from the same Spirit of God. And they are what's "best" for each believer, should they choose to follow the Lord's leading.
More from Paul the Apostle:
1 Corinthians 7:17 New King James Version (NKJV)
17 But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches.
1 Corinthians 7:7 New King James Version (NKJV)
7 For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.
Isaiah 56:5 NKJV
Even to them I will give in My house
And within My walls a place and a name
Better than that of sons and daughters;
I will give them an everlasting name
That shall not be cut off.
Matthew 19:12 NKJV For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.”
Love God, believe Jesus, and Heed His Call... then watch as God works His Best in your life (note that this does NOT necessarily mean an "easy life" or a life of natural wealth!) God's best is designed not for material gain, but for spiritual gain and edification of the Body of Christ. Indeed God's best means we endure some suffering for His sake, and grow spiritually in the fruit of the Spirit.
Romans 8:28 Geneva Bible (GNV)
28 Also we know that all things work together for THE BEST unto them that love God, even to them that are called of his purpose.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NKJV)
4 There are DIVERSITIES of gifts, but the SAME Spirit.
5 There are DIFFERENCES of ministries, but the SAME Lord.
6 And there are diversities of ACTIVITIES, but it is the same God who works ALL in ALL.
In that middle part of the road, what's best for one believer may not be what's best for the next. Only God knows. Certainly, as humans, we tend to believe that what worked best for us, must necessarily be what works best for those around us. But this simply is not the case. Paul indicates that paths can differ... but they are all from the same Spirit of God. And they are what's "best" for each believer, should they choose to follow the Lord's leading.
More from Paul the Apostle:
1 Corinthians 7:17 New King James Version (NKJV)
17 But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches.
1 Corinthians 7:7 New King James Version (NKJV)
7 For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.
Isaiah 56:5 NKJV
Even to them I will give in My house
And within My walls a place and a name
Better than that of sons and daughters;
I will give them an everlasting name
That shall not be cut off.
Matthew 19:12 NKJV For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.”
Love God, believe Jesus, and Heed His Call... then watch as God works His Best in your life (note that this does NOT necessarily mean an "easy life" or a life of natural wealth!) God's best is designed not for material gain, but for spiritual gain and edification of the Body of Christ. Indeed God's best means we endure some suffering for His sake, and grow spiritually in the fruit of the Spirit.
1 Peter 4:16 NKJV
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
Note how God's best looks different for each disciple:
John 21:17-22 NKJV
17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”
And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.
18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.”
19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”
20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”
22 Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”
Don't be surprised when your middle road journey looks different than the middle road of another Christian in church. Just keep your eyes on Jesus Christ. It's only through His Blood we are SAVED!! And we believers will all experience HIS best in Heaven!
Blessings
Pastor Curtis
July 8 2020 1:08am EST
I approve of this message. :)
ReplyDelete