Scriptural Foundation:
Job 1:8 New King James (NKJV)
Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”
Luke 22:31-32 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
Simon, Simon (Peter), listen! Satan has asked excessively that [all of] you be given up to him [out of the power and keeping of God], that he might sift [all of] you like grain,
But I have prayed especially for you [Peter], that your [own] faith may not fail; and when you yourself have turned again, strengthen and establish your brethren.
Acts 3:6 King James Version (KJV)
Then Peter said, silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Reflection:
Life at times feels like a constant and continual struggle. It is like wave after wave of someone or something threatening our peace in the Lord. There are glimpses of eternity bathed in the Anointing of corporate worship, the unabandon laughter of a child, and fellowshipping with other Believers; however, we are quickly brought back to the stark reality of time.
Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it. – James 1:2-5 (TLB)
Instead of looking at our cup as half-full we should rejoice that at least we get to see/experience these glimpses. The sanctification walk is like an apprenticeship/internship. This wisdom is passed down throughout the ages through the Holy Spirit – wisdom that refreshes our weary spirits. The fruit of the Spirit can’t be bought or acquired through works. It can only be attained by sacrificing our time. In the world time is money. We give up a lot of the time to our jobs and in turn the world gives us money. However, the world is not our source and we have the seal to prove it.
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. – Ephesians 1:11-14 (NKJV)
This seal that we have, is a blinding target in the spiritual realm. We may not see it with our natural eyes, but the prince of this world and his cohorts does. Hence our constant struggle. In our foundation scriptures, we see the Trinity acknowledging this apprentice program. Our Heavenly Father proudly boasting about Job; Jesus edifying Peter; and then through Peter, the Holy Spirit revealing the currency of Heaven.
He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. – Matthew 10:39
It takes a lot of spiritual focus and determination to put your flesh under. If you are spending an absorptive time seeking to obtain clarity, prosperity, or prestige you may be missing out on the lessons and blessings that the Lord sends you daily.
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. – Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT)
Beloved, consider your life from a different perspective – your apprenticeship in this life is preparing for you to reign with Jesus throughout eternity. Is this slight and momentary affliction worth that revelation?
Seeking Revelation:
Grab your notebook:
- For the next few days meditate on Matthew 6:33.
- Look back at the last week of your life. Identify your glimpses of eternity compared to the challenges you are facing today.
- Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance living out your apprentice program.