GROWING FAITH Part 7 of 16
Hebrews 11:23-29
PRIORITIES
Hebrews 11:23-29
PRIORITIES
Beginning Verse 27: “By faith he (Moses) left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible.”
Jeremy continued to work hard at football practice as part of the second team. His running improved and abilities grew strong. His teammates were a rambunctious bunch, and they all had a good time playing roughshod tackling each other.
Coach Jiles patiently taught plays and his assistants explained things the boys were slow to understand. Although the sun grew hot and the “sled” they had to push didn’t have rollers, they plowed ahead day after day.
Jeremy knew he had a future playing in real games one day, and he tried keeping his eyes on the prize, not being distracted by other guy’s temptations. One day a teammate offered Jeremy a tablet. “Take this Jeremy. It will make you strong and fast.”
“What is it?” Jeremy asked.
“Oh, a diet supplement. It’s like a super vitamin” the boy said.
“A Steroid vitamin?” Jeremy guessed.
“Everyone’s taking them. You don’t want to be on the second team forever, do you?”
“No thanks. My dad warned me that steroids can be bad for me in the long run.” Jeremy said, shaking his head.
“OK, but I don’t want to wait till next year to play on the first team” the boy said. Then he added, “Stupid wimp” while snickering at Jeremy and shaking his head.
Winston Churchill, Prime Minister in the united Kingdom during World War II, quoted to students: “Never give in—never, never, never, never, in the great or the small, large or petty…Never yield to force: never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”
Jeremy knew instinctively to wait on God until He acts on his behalf.
Rather than giving up, we’re to focus on Him who is unseen, like Moses. Moses clung to God’s promise of protection, calling out, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord” in Exodus 14:13. The Red Sea parted and the Israelites escaped being retaken captive by the Egyptians.
Like Moses, who triumphed over many dangerous and difficult situations, we’re to commit ourselves to doing what’s right. Instead of yielding to pleasure, comfort, or our own selfish will, we’re to prioritize our choices according to God’s will.
Don’t allow God’s will to interfere with creature comforts or instant gratification, or you’ll stumble and yield to the devil’s plan to defeat you.
Take Home Nugget
Our heavenly Father never deserts His children. He encourages us to cast our cares onto Him. Hebrews 13: 5, 8: and 1 Peter 5:7 offers assurances that we can claim when tempted to quit. Prioritize your desires by putting God’s will first and commit your life to His way. Never give up!
When temptations crowd round and it seems everyone else is “doing it”, STOP!
This is your clue to embrace being unique and decide to be different.
J.D. Griffith
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