Become

Hebrews 11:15-40

During the past week, preparations were made for what was anticipated to be the storm of the century. Significant attention was directed towards the timing and the development of high-pressure systems. Each day, the formation of the storm became more predictable, aligning with predictions made by experts. However, prior to the storm's manifestation, certain atmospheric conditions had to be met. Warm moisture from the Gulf of Mexico was required to flow inland, while Arctic air needed to move southward. The convergence of these air masses at the appropriate place and time was essential for a significant explosion to occur.

To attain good health, one must dedicate oneself to discipline. This involves maintaining healthy dietary habits, engaging in regular physical activity, and fostering beneficial routines. Such transformation does not occur instantly, nor is it without difficulty. There will be moments when relinquishment seems appealing. However, it is precisely during these challenges that perseverance is essential to accomplish one's objectives. Joseph exemplified perseverance: he was mocked, betrayed, sold, falsely accused, imprisoned, and ultimately restored—all to fulfill what God had destined for him. Had he not kept his focus on Christ, he might have resigned. His perseverance was crucial to saving his family and Israel.

If David had relinquished, another individual would have been utilized by God. We would lack the inspiring narratives that serve to encourage us. We would not possess Psalm 23 to guide us during times of trial. The account of how the young boy defeated the giant Goliath would be absent. Furthermore, when God has bestowed an anointing upon your head, and the adversary seeks to destroy you, it is this anointing that ultimately sustains your progress.

Psalm 23 LSB

A Psalm of David. Yahweh is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will pursue me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of Yahweh forever.

What about Esther and how she became an instrument for God to save her people? If she were not willing to be used by God to be brought into the court of the King to marry him, her people would have been exterminated. But her willingness to obey the Lord was used to save her people. She became what He created her to be.

When we look at the hall of faith, we see people, ordinary people who believed, belonged, and became all God intended them to be. They did not allow their circumstances to define them; instead, they allowed God to use it to shape the outline of their story.

We have an opportunity, just as these extraordinary men and women of the Bible were, to be used by God to do amazing things for Him. We are at a crossroads. Are we going to be obedient and allow God to write our story, or be disobedient and watch it end?