Your Story...

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV So, I've written & spoken on this Scripture many times before--usually emphasizing the segment, "looking unto Jesus" in that we're supposed to keep our eyes on the cross (I refer to it as being Cross-eyed), and we should do that. However, another portion caught my attention this time, "the author and finisher." Think about Who wrote your story...God did! He wrote it in eternity past. It's a done deal! Satan can't change it...unless we give him permission to, that is. The problem? We have free will, so we can in essence take the pen of authorship from God's Hands & place it into those of the devil, giving him control of and full access to our lives. That's completely crazy! Why would we do such a thing? The way I see it, that free will is a blessing and a curse at the same time. Freedom is found in Jesus Christ--"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36 It's available to every one of us. We have to freely receive it. God's grace is inexhaustible, but we have to tap into it--"As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:12 We have to be willing to look beyond the guilt & shame of our past & see that God created us for a reason and with a purpose. When we utilize our free will to follow the plan He has for our lives, we find our reason for being, our purpose, our niche in life if you will. But, that same free will can lead us into some pretty stinky and sticky situations when we rebel against God & try to go our own way. Don't give the devil a chance to rewrite your story! Line yourself up with God's story and follow the path He has for you. He wrote your story and intends for you to spend eternity future with Him in Glory. Leave it as it's written. You'll encounter some obstacles along the way, but He'll be there to help you navigate through them. When you feel like you're trapped in a maze, look to Him & He'll turn that maze into something completely amazing that will be another part of the testimony you'll have to share with others as they too seek His story for their lives. Jesus finished the work & took His place, seated at God's right hand. It's completed. Stand ready to share His already written version of your story. No one else can tell your story like you can! Blessings! Tony