The Rewards Are Greater

The Kingdom Light – Episode 1109

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Last weekend, I talked about the cost of pursuing and proclaiming truth. On today’s program, I wanna look at the other side and speak on the rewards of following this calling God gives us. As much as I am familiar with the mockery – and often times, the seething hatred – you run into while simply stating truth, I also know quite well that the rewards are indeed greater when you remain in God’s will. In fact, there is NO place I’d rather be.

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I’m gonna let you in on a little uh, inside scoop, I guess you’d say. Though I don’t want to get too bogged down on personal stuff, I feel like when it’s a testimony that might encourage others, why not share it? So, the truth is that uh, last week’s podcast almost didn’t happen. I know there are occasional things that happen that prevent me from doing a show every single week, but this was something else.

So, for several days leading up to last weekend, I was stuck at home and missing work due to another bout with my lower back. Those of you who’ve followed me for a while may know this, but I have dealt for many years with chronic pain stemming from Degenerative Disc Disease. Everyone has this to some extent, as we get older, yes, our bones, joints, vertebrae, discs, etc., will degenerate – or wear out – over time. Unfortunately, the level of degeneration in the discs of my lower back is considered severe for a person my age.

Now, I said all that to say this. Whenever something aggravates this aliment, the usual consistent but manageable level of pain can increase to the point where I’m pretty much physically useless. Can’t work, can hardly even move – that’s what it was like for days, and it can often last for weeks. This is just part of life for me, okay, and I’m not trying to garner any pity or anything. Again, I’m sharing this for a reason.

There are plenty of people who face similar and much worse difficulties, and perhaps some of you do as well. My point is that, how you deal with those obstacles in life is key to living a rewarding life. What do I mean? Look, God has a plan and purpose for each of us. When stuff gets in the way of following His will – say, excruciating back pain – yeah, we typically put life on hold, and our calling gets put on hold, too.

That by itself may not seem like a big deal. It even makes sense. If an athlete gets injured, he or she may have to sit out a few plays. Right? Fine. But when anything gets in the way of continuing God’s work, it’s wise to take a closer look at the situation. I had to ask myself, Am I unable to sit in a chair and do my podcast, or would I just rather lay around and do nothing because of this pain?

Naturally, my flesh wanted to do something I call medicate and hibernate. Truth be told, that’s not the best thing to do in that situation – even physically, let alone spiritually. While it’s understandable that my back needed rest and time to heal, I still needed to move around and get some exercise. And if I’m being completely honest, even in pain, I could still sit in this chair and do the show.

I’m not saying it would have necessarily been wrong for me to skip that weekend and just focus on getting better, but I definitely felt compelled to talk to God about it. And that’s ALWAYS a good idea. We often have to get outside of ourselves and our circumstances to see the broader picture of what’s really going on.

In my case, I had a word God wanted me to put out there. I don’t know who it was for, and that doesn’t matter. This was one of those times when obedience was more important than any sacrifice.

1 Samuel 15:22

…Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen to the voice of the Lord.

I needed God’s input in that moment. And so often, we go about our lives trying to do everything, be everything, and say everything we think we’re supposed to without taking a moment to ask God for HIS opinion. We have access to His guidance, but we so seldom take advantage of it. But when you stop to think about it, what better way to know you’re following in God’s will than to, well gee, maybe communicate with Him on a regular basis? I mean, that sure seems like good advice to me.

On most days, we don’t see the big picture. And on days when we’re going through a painful situation, we don’t see ANYTHING outside our own tiny little bubble.

But even in those toughest times, we have an Ace in the hole: access to the all-knowing, all-seeing, Almighty God. He sees everything that we don’t, everything that’s going on and causing or contributing to our troubles, and He has keen insight on how we should proceed. Like the old song says, just a little talk with Jesus makes it right.

Isaiah 55:8-9

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

The guidance that our Lord provides is invaluable, and it’s only ONE of the many rewards of remaining in His will. Even when we are coming up against persecution for speaking truth, the rewards still far outweigh all of it. Last week, I mentioned another one of those rewards. Remember? James 1:3 told us that the testing of our faith produces steadfastness. The more we engage people with the truth, the more we develop these skills. And our continued steadfastness and perseverance leads us to deeper rewards in Christ.

1 Samuel 26:23

The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness…

That’s just the natural order of things as God established it. Remaining in His will and doing what He called us to do, regardless of what stands in our way, will automatically result in the rewards of our faithful Creator. And of course, when our work here is done, the greatest rewards program of all time is waiting for us. Another one of last week’s scriptures…

Matthew 5:12

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven…

How about this one?

James 1:12

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

And let me tell you, this is only the beginning. The types of rewards and gifts of love that Our Heavenly Father wants to pour out on us, we cannot even fathom! An old preacher used to say, “There is no other place quite so lovely as within the will of God.” It’s truly the greatest place you can be. It may cost you a few friends, it may even cost you pain and suffering, but the rewards of serving Christ are so much greater than any of that.

Romans 8:18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

That’s a familiar verse, but let’s look further in that chapter…

Romans 8:31-32

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

If we just trust God and commit to His will, He will give us everything we need to accomplish the work. Despite circumstances, in the face of mockery and ridicule, His strength is perfectly sufficient to see us through. And though we don’t do God’s will so we can reap the rewards – we do His will out of love, respect, and obedience – you have to admit that those rewards make it a really sweet deal.

Folks, drop us a line anytime. If this ministry is at all a blessing to you, I would love to hear that from you. Send an email to kingdomlight@usa.com, that’s kingdomlight@usa.com. If you have a prayer request, or just a comment about the show, that email address again is kingdomlight@usa.com.

I hope and pray that this word today ministers to you and encourages you to seek God’s advice daily, press forward into the fray, follow His will, and as always, keep shining…the Kingdom Light!

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