Devoloping A Passion For God

[C.A.B.L]

2Co 11:24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
2Co 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
2Co 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
2Co 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
2Co 11:28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

The young convert shook his head in disbelief. He thought becoming a Christian would somehow inoculate him from future trouble. But Christianity does not provide immunity from heartache and trouble. However, in the heartache, God promises never to leave us. His protection and wisdom are available to all who are His.

Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand" (John 10:27-28)

In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul provided an extensive list of the personal trials he faces as a result of his love for Christ. Several times he was beaten to the point of death. Many times he was rejected and ridiculed for his desire to further the kingdom of God.

What was the driving force behind his life? What kept Paul from giving up? A passion for God -- the very thing that sustains us when fear and adversity threaten our existence.

A passion for God goes beyond simple fondness. It is a love for God that is constant, regardless of circumstances. A person with a passion for God is not likely to walk away from what God has given him to do. But if he should, he knows he can come home because God has a passion for him, and God's love never grows cold.

 

[BlestVessel]

Thanks so much for the post CABL.
I really needed that.
You're a rich blessing to this forum.

 

[songz777]

A passion for God goes beyond simple fondness.
yes indeed you are right, its a deep ache that longs after Him, that cant wait to be with at the end of the day. What keeps me going? Its Jesus, His love and fullness and nothing more. Without Him I would be empty ) Bless you john

 

[cyberwood]

CABL, that was awesome. Thank you so much. When I first committed to the Lord, I had no clue what was in store. It was great! I was on fire! It was wonderful!

And then I realized what it all meant: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

OH, I wish to God that this were not the reality of the present age. I still wish nearly every day that this were not so.

But I made a commitment to know Jesus Christ as my Lord, and so I will not - really I can't - rest now. I will persevere through whatever trials and heartaches the Lord has in store for me. Why? Because He is my Lord. I don't rest because my Lord tells me it is not time to rest.

And now I am beginning to know this Love that you write about.

Thank you CABL.

 

[BlestVessel]

Cyberwood,

Your sincerity and enthusiasm are contagious! What a beautiful heart and what a gift for you to share it in this forum! Bless you.