"Overcoming Plan-B " part 3

Dear Beloved:

      As believers of the Kingdom of God and faith in our Lord Jesus the Christ we must all the more pursue the plan and will of God for our lives.  Life takes so many twists and turns that those who are not firmly rooted and grounded in the faith will find themselves easily drawn away and enticed by the desires of other things.  It takes much more than belonging to a good ministry, carrying a good bible or quoting the scriptures daily.  We must be truly committed with passion and focus in order to overcome our own selfish desires.

     Last week in our bible study lessons we had a group study from James 1:12-26.  In verse 12 the scripture says, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12).  Temptation means that which entices or stirs up desire.  We are tempted by our own desires.  James 1:14 says, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desire and enticed.”  Verse 13 says, “Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted by God, “ God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”  So enduring temptation means to overcome and move past our own desires.  We live in a world that constantly promotes and encourages selfishness as a successful lifestyle.  The plan-B complex does not endure temptation, but rather embraces it as something good and positive.  We are becoming more and more self-centered, self-promoting, and feeling justified.  The devil keeps something dangling in front of us to keep us reaching for more to satisfy and massage ourselves.  We are falling prey to many of our temptations that seduce us and damage our relationship with the Lord.

     Last week we addressed the 2nd part of 4 parts to overcome plan-B which was “let him deny himself.”  Self-denial is a requirement and necessity in order to be a disciple of Christ.  Plan-A believers live for Christ rather than for themselves.  The third area comes after self denial, which says “and take up his cross.”  So much needs to be said about what this really means.  After I have denied myself I must now take up my cross.  The cross stands for the pains, afflictions, persecution, suffering, responsibility, assignment, the route and the road we must take individually to follow the Lord.  Our own cross is different from anyone else.  The burdens we must bear and the challenges we must face are all a part of carrying our own cross daily.  When we don’t understand this we will murmur, complain, become angry at life and fall into looking for shortcuts throughout life.  Carrying our cross daily is God’s requirement for our lives in order that we may fulfill His predestined plan.

      A good example of carrying our cross daily can be found in Acts 9:15-16 after Paul’s conversion.  The Lord was speaking to Ananias regarding Paul because He was sending him to Damascus to lay hands on Paul.  Ananias is extremely apprehensive and fearful because of Paul’s reputation of attacking Christians and having them killed.  In verse 15-16 the Lord tells Ananias “Go for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings and the children of Israel.  For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name sake.”  Ananias had to believe God and bear this burden in obedience to the Lord’s instructions.  Paul had a cross to bear because he had to suffer many things for the Lord’s namesake.  Apostle Paul’s life from that point on was full of difficulties, challenges, pain, trials, persecution, and rejection.  He was beaten many times, ship wrecked, left for dead and abandoned by his co-laborers many times.  Apostle Paul beared his cross daily until he died in the name of the Lord.  We can learn from Apostle Paul on how to take up our cross and follow Him.

Sharing Christ’s Love
Dr. James and Prophetess Sharon Randolph