A GLORIOUS END
The Word of God defines what our outlook should be toward all that God has called us to experience and become, by His grace. In Christ, we have a glorious life, a glorious destiny to fulfil and a glorious end to behold. What does the Scripture say about this end?
Reference: Ecclesiastes 7:8 New American Standard Bible (NASB) 'The end of a matter is better than its beginning; Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit.'
We are called to live for God, and this life is rooted in Christ. Its a life of self-denial, purity, active persistence as well as patient submission, in every circumstance. However, better is the end or the outcome of everything we encounter in our Christian life. Even at the very end of time, the Bible says, 'Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is' (1 John 3:2 ESV). So true and glorious!
Have you ever noticed how a worm creeps? Sometimes, its appearance looks extremely unpleasant and even repulsive. However, it is the beginning of an insect. Look ahead and visualise that insect with gorgeous wings, playing in the sunbeams, sipping at the flowers, and full of happiness and life - that is the worm's end. The Bible says, 'By your patient endurance you will gain your souls' (Luke 21:19 BSB). Therefore, just like apostle Paul, you must keep pressing towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus ( Philippians 3:14 KJV).
The need of patience and endurance to the end is very paramount in every divinely ordained path for you because the Lord is very much interested in the process. Therefore, never despise 'the small beginning' of every good thing in your life. Nothing is small in your wholehearted service to the Lord; so don't be small in your own eyes.
The small outreach team, the small response from the lost in evangelism, the small Bible study, the small gifts, the small investment in your family, the small texts of encouragement, the small contribution in preparing a meal for the sick, the small prayer for the recovery of the sick, and the small opportunities you get in that business. They all mean a lot to God.
Yes, that's the reason God is telling you today, through the insightful saying and wisdom of Solomon, 'Don't hold the small things in contempt. Don't consider them as insignificant in your life, for better is the end of a matter than the beginning thereof.' You need to develop a huge respect in your heart toward the small. It's so easy to pass judgment on it from the start by saying, 'This is a waste of time. This will never amount to anything. Is it really worth it?' Beloved, the small is never insignificant when God is involved.
No matter the challenge you encounter in life, if you are living a life of faith, having an intimacy with the Holy Spirit through constant fellowship, and beholding God in the mirror of His Word, the end will justify how you've lived your life. Therefore, in every situation, cheer up, for better is the end of a thing than its beginning.
Scripture Reading - Isaiah 46:10; Acts 20:24; Philippians 1:6; Galatians 6:9.
Exuberant Declaration: I have a glorious destiny in Christ Jesus and my life is chained in one direction - a life of ever increasing glory. I live with divine patience in my process, knowing that in God, all things work together for my good. With the mind of Christ, all I see is victory, progress and endless possibilities. I have the wisdom for every situation, and I function with tactical and accurate insight into the reality of my good ending in every circumstance, fulfilling God's perfect will. Hallelujah!