Don’t fall for the Turkish delights!
The word for you today is “Don’t give up but move forward!”
We all have been taught the Story of Moses and when we read Exodus,
we will come to the conclusion that Moses left Egypt because he killed someone and ran out of Egypt fearing the King’s anger. But the author of Hebrews throws a new light on this story. The book of Hebrews in the scripture says, ‘By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.’
When you want to take a stand for God, you will always have a counter offer. Note the words “fleeting pleasures of sin”. But you are free to walk out as it’s a choice and it’s your choice.
One of my favourite scenes in the Chronicles of Narnia movie is the scene when poor Edmund falls into the trap of the White witch queen by falling for Turkish delight. Edmund had a great calling before him but he fell for the “fleeting pleasure of sin” unlike Moses.
Don’t fall for the Turkish delights that the world offers you.
Living for God is not going to be comfortable or cozy. Bible says it’s a narrow road. You can expect a lot of persecution, trials and tribulations. Paul said “I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace”.
I went to see one of my friends and co-workers in church, Ian Batt, few months back to discuss a huge problem. I asked Ian “Ian, it’s a huge issue and why am I facing this.” I loved the way Ian replied. Ian said “Shall I tell you a secret? It won’t get any easier than this.”
Yes, it won’t get any easier than this but you will see God’s supernatural provision and strength. I am not going to give you a vain promise saying God will remove all your problems soon. If so I will be lying. I am saying God will give you supernatural strength so that you are going to enjoy your journey amidst the problems you are facing. Be glad, there is Red Sea and Jordan in your life because only then you can see them split apart. And God will not let you suffer but will help you enjoy the journey.
If you haven’t seen any results for your prayers and efforts, don’t give up. God will bring the results in His own time. To everything there is a season. Below is a snippet from the diary of John Wesley.
Sunday, A.M., May 5 Preached in St. Anne’s. Was asked not to come back anymore.
Sunday, P.M., May 5 Preached in St. John’s. Deacons said “Get out and stay out”.
Sunday, A.M., May 12 Preached in St. Jude’s. Can’t go back there, either.
Sunday, A.M., May 19 Preached in St. Somebody Else’s. Deacons called special meeting and said I couldn’t return. Sunday, P.M., May 19 Preached on street. Kicked off street.
Sunday, A.M., May 26 Preached in meadow. Chased out of meadow as bull was turned loose during service. Sunday, A.M., June 2 Preached out at the edge of town. Kicked off the highway.
Sunday, P.M., June 2 Afternoon, preached in a pasture.
Ten thousand people came out to hear me.
So don’t ever give up on your prayers.
If you have taken a stand for God, keep moving forward and don’t ever look back.
The scripture says in Luke 9:62 “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Going backward is not an option and standing still is not an option. Moving forward is the only option! Don’t look back to your past and become a pillar of salt like Lot’s wife. You have a great calling before you. Greatness lies before you. Don’t fall for Turkish delights but keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and run your race.
