I believe one of the most strategic ploys our sin nature and the adversary uses against all humans are holidays! So many suffer very much from depression and a flood of regret during these times.
Our focus needs the re-adjustment by the Holy Spirit. Consider this passage, where what we would typically expect to read is very different. There are countless times in the Gospels where Christ saw His torture, suffering, crucifixion, and death and stated His anguish concerning it, even asking His Father to find another way to offer redemption to us, yet stood firm in His commitment to follow through!
However, in this passage, Christ’s focus travels past the temporal troubles of this world and focuses on the Eternal view and reality. Suffering and even death will come, BUT then resurrection and returning to His real home…Heaven!
The word “determined” literally means “set His face” which is very visual about His commitment. We see this also in Isaiah:
Isaiah 50:7 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.
No matter where this world has you right now, or where you think it is headed, if you choose to focus on your relationship with the One that gave His life for you and paid in full your debt of sin, offering His forgiveness and a new life that will not end when your body does, you can focus on that reality this holiday season!
I am struggling with several issues and failures, too, but I refuse to live there! My sin, losses, and weaknesses do not define me! The Eternal Almighty, Son of God, has given me life and the ability to, even after I have failed, to seek restoration of our fellowship, because our relationship is based solely on Him, not me! All I have to do is trust in His Salvation and then live with Him. After failure, I am one prayer of confession that leads to the decision to repent (change my direction) and experience the fellowship only an all-loving God can offer. But Nate, I have done this over and over again! Join the club! When you quit returning after the failure, then and only then is it over!
This Truth is the most significant reason to enter into a deep Thanksgiving this year, no matter your circumstances! So enter or renew your relationship with the Lover of your soul right now!
Happy Thanksgiving! Love in Christ from DD & nate
