How do I get to the expected end?
In times like these, where the world is changing drastically through technological innovations, what do we need to do in order not to deviate from God's standard for our lives?
How do we walk with the promises of God for us?
How do we run with that which God has given us as a backbone of the identity we carry in him?
Now, It even looks like the world is not only changing technologically but is advancing in things that have been in the beginning unacceptable.
Death and Killings are gradually becoming the order of the day.
Diseases and infections are taking their stand across the globe.
Economic and financial challenges aren't uncommon.
Crises in Families and then in societies.
Immorality is almost legalised in every part of the world.
Has someone not been prompted to ask this uncommon question?: Where is God?
Now I come to remind you that his thoughts are never of evil but of Peace to give you an expected end.
Though the world might look so chaotic his promise should be your drive and anchor.
Though things might not look as you think they should be, what should help you stand firm is the identity you have gotten in his promises.
Over time, we have read or heard about men who did not only walk with God and worked with him but who have earnestly worked towards getting to the expected end which they eventually did.
We can see one of the assurances of God towards us in the book of Jeremiah and that is what we ought to hold unto if we desire not just the beginning but an end that is worthy of reckoning.
He said in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
The above Scripture requires us not only to hold unto the promises of the expected end but to do that which makes the promise feasible in our lives.
Yes, we all know the thoughts of God can never be of evil and that he is not discriminative in his dealings with us even as a group or an entity. Nevertheless, to all the promises of God, there are roles of God and there are parts to be played by us (Men).
The question now is; what are the things required of us even as we make the journey?
One thing to know before you proceed is that God has dominion over everything save the will of man.
There is always an option and it is just left to a man to choose between that which is life or that which is dead.
Let us choose wisely as we have come too far to conform to the world!
THE WAYS TO THE EXPECTED END.
1. Total Trust in God.
2. Total Submission to him.
3. Full Obedience.
4. Working in Unity with other Co-labourers.
5. Investing in lives.
6. Faith.
1. TOTAL TRUST IN GOD: The first thing we would be discussing here is that of having total trust in God.
I made an analogy recently and it goes thus "When a man is rescued from danger and if there is anything that would make him go further with the person who rescued him, then it is the trust he has for the person. Though the rescuer might be a total stranger, he still chooses to go with him".
The only thing that could have made the first called disciples follow Jesus at his saying "Follow me and I would make you fishers of men" was because they trusted his words.
A man who has trust issues can't follow God far and the expected end is not a day journey.
The writer in the book of proverbs put it better "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, trust him. This is beyond knowing that his ways are higher than our ways and realising that his thoughts are way better than ours.
How have you been functioning in your roles?
He makes those promises. Yes! but how doubtful and wearisome have you been?
2. TOTAL SUBMISSION TO HIM: The truth remains that a man who can't submit all he owns to God, God wouldn't lead or work on.
Before God can work on a man, it requires that such a man submit totally to God.
Your thoughts, Volitions, Plans, Ideas and reasoning must exchange for that of God.
2 Corinthians 5:17 talks about how a man becomes a new creature, how old things become bygone and how all things become new.
The question at this stage is; Have you allowed those old things to become your past?
Holding unto those things stand an obstacle to your act of submission to the dealings and leadings of God.
There are many things that your physical strength wouldn't work out until you acknowledge the place of submission.
The mistake many make is trying to resist first before submitting.
Life would play planks and make errors out of a man who lacks this understanding.
If there is anything you should hold unto in this article, it is this and I put in quotes "You capacity for resistance continues to remain low until you submit to God".
This book put it better James 4:7 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Do you want to experience God's promise of an expected end?
Then submit totally to him.
3. FULL OBEDIENCE: One thing I discovered over time is that many people try to deal with God as though they are dealing with a fellow human being and it doesn't work out that way.
The truth is that what would thrill a man might not necessarily be pleasant to God. This should make you understand that even when you are carrying out that which God has instructed you to do, check your motive.
Men might be looking at the outward activities or up and doings but what God looks for in a man is obedience.
Abraham didn't argue with God while it was instructed of him to sacrifice his only Son not just because he was a man of Faith. Another thing that helps his life greatly was obedience to instructions.
Ecclesiastes 12 the Bible make us understand that the whole duty of man is to fear God and keep his commandment.
Even though King Saul was anointed of God, what led to his great destruction was disobedience.
Half obedience is disobedience. If you are to obey, then totally obey.
Obeying God does not come in the place of convenience and that is why it requires you to do it with and from your heart.
Note: In this journey, you don't do things to impress men, do that which only please your creator.
He sure carries men with such a mindset along!
4. WORKING IN UNITY WITH OTHER CO-LABOURERS: If there is anything God desire to see men do, it is to dwell in unity with brethren. Being United shows that the Love of God is abounding.
I do say "Remove a relationship from the life of a man and you would realise that he is nothing".
Your relationship with men and with God matters a lot in this subject of getting to an expected end.
Share things with men that matter, learn new things, be willing to teach, help those that are in need and pray for those that are in the work consistently.
This part is included in this article because it has been neglected most times by many of us.
Though there might be different vocations assigned to different men from different walks of life, I tell you, no man can exist on his own or live for himself. Hence, the need to work in unity with others to help you grow physically, spiritually, mentally, financially and in any other aspect of life.
5. INVESTING IN LIVES: When I realised that the greatest investment a man could ever make is that which he makes into lives, there was a shift.
God is more interested in souls than any other thing and it is not far fetched from the truth as the whole world can't match up with a soul just according to the question in Mark 8:36
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his soul?
Nothing!
It means the soul is as important to God as our walk with him.
His thought for you and I unto the expected end is that your soul is preserved and that mine too is not found wanting.
Lives!
The biggest mistake you would make in the journey to investing into lives is the ideology of wanting to have much before you start being a blessing.
Be faithful with the little and God would increase it thereby turning it into much.
To get to the expected end, watch out for souls and don't neglect yours.
6. FAITH: If there is any tool that a man earnestly need for the journey unto the great promises of God, it is Faith.
With this great substance, which means it is real, a man can move great things that are beyond the imagination of men.
Faith makes you hold unto the promises of the word purposing that they have already been settled.
It ought not to remain dormant because it is to be built up just according to Jude verse 20.
Hebrew chapter 11 speak so much about Faith and how great men were brought into remembrance just because they walked in Faith.
Even Rahab a harlot who many would have least expected wasn't excluded from the honour because Faith was accounted unto her.
How would you take this journey to the expected end?
Without Faith, No man can please God.
God is looking forward to having men that would work and work in the above to latch into his great promises for their lives.
You are one!
Faith Agi.
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