WEEK 2 DAY 5
The Privilege Worth the Price
Devotional
Elijah's story doesn't end with his despair under the tree. God restored him, gave him a new purpose, and reminded him of the bigger picture. The prophet who wanted to die became the one who never died, taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. His temporary suffering led to eternal significance. This is the perspective we need when facing opposition for our faith. Yes, following Jesus is costly. Yes, it brings challenges that others don't face. But it's also the only life worth living, a life of eternal purpose and significance that transcends temporary difficulties. When we're knocked down by pain and opposition, that's not sin. Even Jesus fell on His face in the Garden of Gethsemane and sweat drops of blood under the weight of what He faced. The difference between those who follow Christ and those who don't isn't that we never fall; it's that we get back up. We get back up because we know our 'why.' We're living for something eternal and greater than ourselves. Those who target you are actually doing you a favor; they're confirming that you're with Christ. When the cost of following Jesus becomes greater than the privilege of following Jesus, our faith begins to die. But when we remember the incredible privilege of being called His children, of having eternal life, of being part of His kingdom mission, the cost becomes bearable. This world is not your home if you know Jesus. And if you don't long for another home, this fallen world will wear you down until you do. But for those who live with eternal perspective, temporary opposition becomes a small price for an eternal prize.
Bible Verse
'The Lord said to him, "Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him."' - 1 Kings 19:15-18
Reflection Question
When you consider the eternal privileges of following Christ, how does that change your perspective on the temporary costs and opposition you face?
Quote
Only those who have the cause of Christ as their why, their reason, only those who come, who believe they are living for something eternal and greater, get back up. Everybody else just stays down.
Prayer
Father, help me to keep eternal perspective when facing temporary opposition. Remind me of the incredible privilege of being Your child and part of Your kingdom mission. Give me strength to get back up when I'm knocked down, knowing that my life has eternal significance. Amen.
*This devo was developed using Sermon Shots
Elijah's story doesn't end with his despair under the tree. God restored him, gave him a new purpose, and reminded him of the bigger picture. The prophet who wanted to die became the one who never died, taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. His temporary suffering led to eternal significance. This is the perspective we need when facing opposition for our faith. Yes, following Jesus is costly. Yes, it brings challenges that others don't face. But it's also the only life worth living, a life of eternal purpose and significance that transcends temporary difficulties. When we're knocked down by pain and opposition, that's not sin. Even Jesus fell on His face in the Garden of Gethsemane and sweat drops of blood under the weight of what He faced. The difference between those who follow Christ and those who don't isn't that we never fall; it's that we get back up. We get back up because we know our 'why.' We're living for something eternal and greater than ourselves. Those who target you are actually doing you a favor; they're confirming that you're with Christ. When the cost of following Jesus becomes greater than the privilege of following Jesus, our faith begins to die. But when we remember the incredible privilege of being called His children, of having eternal life, of being part of His kingdom mission, the cost becomes bearable. This world is not your home if you know Jesus. And if you don't long for another home, this fallen world will wear you down until you do. But for those who live with eternal perspective, temporary opposition becomes a small price for an eternal prize.
Bible Verse
'The Lord said to him, "Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him."' - 1 Kings 19:15-18
Reflection Question
When you consider the eternal privileges of following Christ, how does that change your perspective on the temporary costs and opposition you face?
Quote
Only those who have the cause of Christ as their why, their reason, only those who come, who believe they are living for something eternal and greater, get back up. Everybody else just stays down.
Prayer
Father, help me to keep eternal perspective when facing temporary opposition. Remind me of the incredible privilege of being Your child and part of Your kingdom mission. Give me strength to get back up when I'm knocked down, knowing that my life has eternal significance. Amen.
*This devo was developed using Sermon Shots