Jesus Is Enough

It was good to be back in Acts this past Sunday. Josh challenged us with a question we should be reflecting on this week: “How is your life intentionally glorifying God?” He shared with us how ,if you have experienced the free gift of grace through the Gospel in your life, that you are called to glorify God in all that you do.

There is a common misconception that for those that have faith in Jesus, their life will all of a sudden become easy. Or as Josh said, “it is all daisies, rainbows, and cotton candy.” But this is not what we know to be true, and it is not what the Bible teaches. When we are living to glorify God, it is not a matter of if, but when opposition will come. This is why we need a constant reminder of the Gospel. This is why we need to be in community with other believers and why we need to be in God’s Word and constantly in conversation with God through prayer. So that we can live to glorify God in all that we do. So that we can live our lives by Philippians 1:20-21.
20as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

This is a great reminder that Jesus is enough. No matter if we live or die – we have Jesus. Not matter if we are in trials or not – we have Jesus. One day, we will be in the presence of God, but let us not forget that we have Jesus today and let that joy drive us to glorify God in all things. This includes times of trial. In these times, remember James 1:2-4.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

We all will face opposition. I encourage you to intentionally change our perspective when this comes. Because when things are going poorly, there is going to be some good to come from it. Even if we can’t see it today. When the kids are on your very last nerve…good. When you didn’t get the grade you wanted…good. When you are confronted for not living according to worldly standards…good. When something unexpected happens and things aren’t going your way…good. In the midst of your trials, say “good” and remember that you have Jesus. Remember that you have a local community of believers to support you. This way no matter what the day brings we can be intentional in glorifying God.