Unforeseen Opportunities

life is a series of lessons.  For us to grow, we must participate in it even though it's tough and unpredictable.  We have no control of what life will bring.  Everything on this earth seems like a borrowed moments which can be taken from us in a split second.  But we have a Mighty God who is full of surprises.  For the people of faith, sudden changes or unexpected circumstances are just "unforeseen opportunities". It is not always pleasant, but it is special situation which God allowed for our soul to be transformed and deepened.  Be thankful in every circumstance.  God's grace is sufficient for us.

The Joy of Our Salvation

It was truly a joy unspeakable and full of glory when we received our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in water baptism and to be filled with His Holy Spirit.  With our childlike faith, we were bold and fearless - no room for doubt.   We  belong to God and He's always with us.  John 3:5-6 - Through His grace we were able to enter in God's Kingdom.  We are saved - and that's enough for us to be joyful.

But as the years went by, as we grew in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, trials and temptations never cease to take us out from our focus.  Some battles knocked us down, sometimes we failed and cares of life covered our eyes away from the things Eternal.  But we know, nothing can separate us from the love of God.  When we're tempted or sinned, we did not lose our salvation, but we surely did lose the joy of our salvation.

David lost the joy when he sinned.  He lost the willing spirit and that real delight that comes from obeying God, so he prayed.  "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit." Psalm 51:12

Without the joy, we will lose our zest in serving our Heavenly Father, which will lead to spiritual faintness and lukewarmness.

Answered prayers, miracles, and even spiritual victories won't give us the strength to go on living the Kingdom Life in Christ Jesus.  What will keep us going is only the joy of His Salvation.
Our Lord Jesus Christ told the disciples. "Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven." Luke 10:20

God intends that we rejoice in our salvation.  Have we lost our joy?  Are we in bondage by sins and cares of life?  Repentance is one of the greatest gifts of God to His children.  Ask Him to restore your joy and try your best to live holy for His Glory.

Conforming to this world will not satisfy our soul.  We can't find joy by looking at our self and what's going on around us.  Look unto Jesus - love Him with all your heart, soul, and mind.

God's joy is our strength and He delights in seeing His children rejoice in their salvation in whatever circumstances they are in.  "...For the Joy of the Lord is our strength." Nehemiah 8:10