March 29, 2015 Where He took you to take you
We don’t understand where He took you but He knows where He is taking you.
God took Joseph out of a godly home and put him in Egypt so He could show him he was an overcomer. God took Moses to the backside of the desert to teach him to trust Him so he could lead Israel out. Glory in the thorn; because of the abundance of the revelations given to us, if it wasn’t for that thorn, we would be exalted. God knows the thorn is the place to get us to only lean on His breast, to know it is the word of His grace that keeps us.
2 Corinthians 12:1-10 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
God took Paul to paradise to show him the fully finished Paul of grace; the one that won Christ. He took Him there so he’d understand to glory in his infirmities and knowing God will perform it. If you want God’s best, you are going to be weak.
6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Get yourself out of the way then you’ll see the grace of God. It’s never comfortable, it’s a fight of faith. Without Him we can do nothing. Do you believe suffering for His sake is worth it all? We are vessels made to the praise of the glory of His grace. He is so in love with you, pursuing you to be His wife. This is for all – He has no favorites, it’s just who is going to take it. God sent the Holy Spirit to seek out the true worshiper, the lover of Jesus. Not just ones that know the bridal message, but ones that embrace it. Looking for Him because I know He’s coming. We will be glorified together (Romans 8:17).
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
We must be willing to let Him take us. He has shown you Christ in you the hope of glory; that He wants you to be His bride. He’s shown you He will perform the good work He has begun. We are without excuse, we have enlightened eyes. You have been graced to see it – take the grace to let Him finish it.
For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross. The joy to rule and reign with His wife and make known to all that this is His love. This is the love story of them all. By grace persevere; to glory in the man complete by His grace – His masterpiece. The good pleasure of His will and the kisses of His mouth keep us going. He took you to the message of the high calling because He wants to take you to the midst of the throne glory!
Sermon Topics: II Corinthains