Relentless 4

How the Race Changes Us

The obstacles in our life helps bring the impurities "the slag" to the surface where they can be skimmed off. When we see these "imperfections or irritations" we can ask ourselves, "Are we really letting God empower us?"

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:2-5

WHO simplifies the matters of the Heart and Mind... is it not GOD?
  

A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.  Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.” Isaiah 40:3-4
   
He not only simplifies but tell us, He is with us.
 

“When you pass through the water, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.” Isaiah 43:2

God  has already been through the race and yet He loves us SO MUCH, He is willing to go through the race with each us individually.  This is a wonderful thought?

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.  Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15

Have you thought what Satan must of felt when he saw the relentlessness of Jesus taking up the cross?  He must of shook in fear.  Jesus is the picture of our Relentless.  He was beaten, whipped, chastised, tried, and tested, tortured but wanting to fulfill the will of the Father- nothing could stop Him. 

“I gave My back to those who strike Me, And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard; I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting. For the Lord GOD helps Me, Therefore, I am not disgraced; Therefore, I have set My face like flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed.” Isaiah 50:7

That same relentless Spirit of Jesus is in us, Christians… that we too can set our face like flint on Jesus.   Our roots can go and surrender deep into God’s marvelous love that liberates.  

I hope this has encouraged you!

 “And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen.” Ephesians 3:17-21