[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].
Hebrews 12:2 AMP
Who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross...
What type of faith was that, Jesus? What kind of hope? To have Your mind set on the goal (being united with us), that the present shame and suffering couldn't outweigh it?
It's easy to have a dream or a goal, but the challenge for me is to block out all the anxious thoughts and fears and to live in His peace, no matter what the circumstances might be.
Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].
Philippians 4:6-7 AMP
It's not only peace when things are perfect when the sun is shining and all seems well. It's a peace that transcends all understanding, in other words, peace within the storm, peace in every circumstance. So we take our thoughts captive, present them to God in prayer, and through thanksgiving we remind ourselves of His faithfulness, and in that same faith, we receive His peace.
You know it might seem funny but a lot of times we have to physically do something for something else to be spiritually released. Let's take Moses for example (Exodus 14). It wasn't his staff or the way he lifted his hands over the sea that parted the waters. It was God who parted the sea, but the act of obedience from Moses was what God wanted for Him to part the sea. Listen carefully, it wasn't that He needed Moses, He could've part the sea how and whenever He wanted to. But there was so much more to it, Faith was built in that act of obedience. Moses and the Israelites could see that the staff was powerless, but still the sea split. So that makes one wonder, it shifts your focus. If the staff couldn't, who did?
It's our selfless and sometimes awkward step of obedience that opens up the floodgates of His provision. And as that water flows into the places we used to call a desert (Isaiah 41:18), our faith is being stirred.
The Author and Perfecter of Faith (Hebrews 12):
A while ago I attended a conference called Purpose Encouraged. During the praise and worship Holy Spirit showed me this journal. As the pages flipped over I saw pencil sketches of flowers and mountains. But as the pages turned the graphics became vivid and filled with color. I saw my family, friends, my workplace, running errands in town, etc. It was all beautiful but I couldn't understand what it meant. From pencil to real life. Then in such a gentle way, Holy Spirit showed me: "I am the Author." Every single detail of our lives is written down. He is not only interested in the big decisions and stages of life but the in-between. Whether it be walking your dog, or talking to a stranger in the grocery store. He literally writes every moment down. He is so intertwined in our story, and yet we haven't even begun to understand or comprehend it.
God is our Father, but He is not a Father that only tolerates His children, oh no, He celebrates us, every single day. If we understand that He celebrates and writes our stories to the finest detail, then joy will automatically be released, not only in our minds and hearts but also out of us to and for others.
On the shores of my soul, I give you permission. To wash my tears away and take all of my disappointments and fill me with joy once again!
- Bethel Worship, Jeremy Riddle
On the shores (spontaneous worship) - Jeremy Riddle - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XF9DDNRNd-c
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