Jesus is the risen example!

Wow, talk about knowing your destiny in life, this sums it up. In John 18:37 Jesus before Pilate confirms his lot in life is to be crucified. Read the chapter for yourself, and the next few to get the full take on the unselfish sacrifice and resurrection that has been one of the most controversial stories in history for over 2,000 years. It is Easter Sunday coming up, and since Christ IS my living saviour, I want to take a look at how His life not only was a sacrifice for my sins but a practical example of staying the course to accomplishment. I have to admit I do not know my destiny in life, but I do believe we forge our own destiny with each decision we make daily. Here are a few lessons we can take with us from someone who was once in our shoes, or sandals. Jesus Christ was subject to all things as we are; his flesh got hungry, tired, tempted, his nails grew, his hair grew, he even sneezed (not sure if they said ‘God bless you’ back then), he slept, he got angry, he had goals, vision, purpose, and a support group.
Lesson 1. Our adversary is the flesh: I don’t feel like pushing myself each day toward my goals. Not because I don’t want to but mostly because I need to submit to being tired, anxious, double guessing what I am doing, and wanting to just do other things. *Readjusting goals for a day is ok. I need to tell myself this all the time. Yes, I am one of those people who would rather go home early from a party with friends just to get up early and greet the sun, read a book, and just get more done before noon than the average person. That in itself is not bad, BUT, this can also put unwarranted strains on relationships. Our friends want to see us too. One day off course will not normally change the outcome of ones life. BUT, constant submission to our flesh will not benefit us.
Lesson 2. Tell your friends what your dreams are. Not every single person you know is your friend, so be selective and sure for the most part that these people will support you, and encourage you. They may not and will not always understand certain goals for the dream but they are great for always asking, ‘how’s that dream coming along?’ Some people have ‘dream-catchers’ hanging from a window, or the rearview mirror of a vehicle, and that is a cool way to always have a reminder for yourself. But, staying on course sometimes comes from the subtle expression of a friend. And yes, sometimes not, but the benefits are greater when friends and family know what you are trying to accomplish. Like Jesus' disciples.
Lesson 3. Don’t fall to temptation and quit. After 40 days of being wore down in the wilderness, Jesus was offered all the things that would seemingly be a quick fix to his current situation. BUT, with each temptation his rebuttal began with the same words: ‘It is written’. Here the lesson is that we need to write down our goals, dreams, even our reasons for accomplishing whatever it is that we are trying to accomplish. Say our goals out loud (audio affirmation) so it is written in our minds. When we are tempted to quit, we need to go back to what is written and reaffirm what we are trying to accomplish and why. Don’t just have a weekly goal sheet that gets accomplished and then tossed, have a master copy of the big picture. Like a business plan. Don’t be afraid to write these things down.
‘Is it written’ somewhere for you?
Christ’s victory path certainly was an unselfish one.
Here’s what his life has taught me. Not everyone will support your vision. Not everyone will admit they know you when you act upon your belief. BUT, everyone will watch. Christopher Columbus, Wright brothers, Noah and his arc, Pollack the artist, Howard Hughes, the founding fathers of our country, and (put your name here). YOU are bigger than you may be allowing yourself to be. Find strength in Jesus. If you are a believer, He wants you to have a more abundant life!
Praise God for resurrection Sunday!