No Procrastination
10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.
Mark 1:10-12 (KJV)
Therefore there is no procrastination for those who are in Christ, both of blessing/healing and of temptation.
Victory parties have much less defining ability than that of the moments of solitude that follow in the wilderness. As wonderful as is the affirmation, its real purpose and function is to bring persistence through the challenging time waiting just around the corner.
The liberation celebration will take on the sound of the dirge if there is no confidence maintained in the Deliverer when the freedom route leads directly to the Red Sea with an army of would-be captors in hot pursuit.
Discovery of a sister swap on the morning after a long anticipated and costly marriage celebration has great power to disable resolve for committing another 7 years for the desired prize.
It would be so wonderful if there were only the blessing, the mountain top glory exposition with an affirmation of heritage and identification. There is, however, another experience that quite often follows the time of honoring encouragement- the challenge, the test that proves the legitimacy of the celebration. It’s not just the ceremony that makes a marriage, but it is its embrace in the face of great challenges that would disable and destroy it. The talked about and much touted athlete is nothing more than a dream and hope until the field of battle is taken and the competition engaged. It is in the embrace of the conflict that the celebrated potential is confirmed and validated.
So, the building storm after the morning of sunshine need not remove the joy of the sunshine’s rays, but rather provide an appreciated opportunity for its proving. With gladness the challenge can be embraced with confidence and assurance gained from the honored moments of affirmation. With joy the cross can be endured with an encouraging remembrance of the glory’s voice and a fixed gaze on the prize that lies ahead. Much more than just for the festivity of the moment is the commencement’s purpose. It is meant to enable steadfastness in the time of heat, hunger, and temptation in the desert. It is meant to solidify and identify those qualities of strength that will empower and equip for endurance through the seemingly endless wilderness challenges that are on the path to the promise.
Instead of doubt there can be great comfort with the rapid arrival of the trial. Rather than undermining the reality of the celebration’s declaration, it can be seen as its confirmation and validation. Welcome, rather than despised can be the fulfillment of its purpose in a victory that glorifies the Author and Finisher.
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James 1:2-4 (KJV)