The set up

There is something about being steadfast in the Lord that cannot be expressed in words. The benefit and reward of our obedience to the plans God has for our life is the path for our destiny.

Many scriptures will talk about the enemy who lies and waits for us to choose a different path.

The mind games are exhausting. Remembering the voice of the One who created us in the midst of hearing all these other voices with lies, is no different than Eve listening to the snake in the garden.

You are meant to be set apart as a child of God not to go with the crowd. Set a personal best time not comparing to others. It always boils down to a choice.

Psalm 27:11-14 AMPC
Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain and even path because of my enemies [those who lie in wait for me]. [12] Give me not up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen up against me; they breathe out cruelty and violence.

I love the scripture in Psalm 27:13-14. Read the scripture slowly and it reminds us that the Lord wants to see us in the land of the living. The other part of this is the Lord wants us to choose the goodness of God. However, our impulsive human tendency wants an immediate sense of gratification. This is where the enemy strikes quick and with repetition.

Verse 14 reminds us we have wait on the Lord and have courage and endure. So what exactly are we enduring?

13] [What, what would have become of me] had I not believed that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living! [14] Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.

Endurance means we are looking to the future with a goal in mind. This is no different than a runner in a race, feeling exhausted, wondering if they’ll be able to run to the finish line.

It takes effort, it takes steps, it takes faith and trust, and hope in the Lord, it takes our eyes off of the people around us, and digging deep into our relationship the One, who lives within us, Jesus!

The One who gives us those final pushes, for the breathing required to finish the race, is the One who gave Adam his first breath.

My question for you and maybe myself: do you want to be set apart or set up? Are you willing to take the steps to achieve a God-given purpose or subtle for the enemies plan? Are you willing to set the pace for your destiny holding the hand of Jesus or a world culture that fades away?

Colossians 3:1-4,15-17 AMP
Therefore if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]. [3] For you died [to this world], and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Gratitude matters! Attitude destroys! Letting the word of Christ dwell in your heart and mind or lead to being trained honor in God’s ways. Whether we are baby boomers to Gen Z, we must choose wisely.

Colossians 3:15-17 TPT
Let your heart be always guided by the peace of the Anointed One, who called you to peace as part of his one body. And always be thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ live in you richly, flooding you with all wisdom. Apply the Scriptures as you teach and instruct one another with the Psalms, and with festive praises, and with prophetic songs given to you spontaneously by the Spirit, so sing to God with all your hearts! [17] Let every activity of your lives and every word that comes from your lips be drenched with the beauty of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. And bring your constant praise to God the Father because of what Christ has done for you!

May we reach the finish line and rejoice in the character we have built with the One ( God) who gave us our first breath. We will never be disappointed, and the efforts will be so worth it.

Giving thanks to God for never leaving us in the race for our destiny.

Photo by pexels.com