July 17, 2023
Monday
Joy in God’s Will
2 Timothy 1: 8-12
17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.”
When the English Protestant Thomas Cranmer was threatened with death by the Catholic Queen Mary, he recanted his Protestant views. But in his last sermon, he recanted his recantation, once again affirming his Reformation-based theology. He knew it would cost him his life, so he said he would stick his right hand—the hand that signed his original recantation—first into the fire. When he was burned on the stake for his faith in 1556, he thrust his right hand into the fire before the flames consumed the rest of his body.
What kind of strength does it take to stay faithful to God’s will? Church history is filled with the stories of many courageous saints, including the apostle Paul. When he was imprisoned for his faith, he knew he might die, but found joy in the will of God nonetheless. The greatest source of courage in life comes from knowing we are living in God’s will.
What is God’s will for you today? Recommit yourself to Him and His plans and purpose for your life—and receive His joy in doing so.
A point to ponder…
To obey God’s will is to find the fulfillment of our lives.
David Watson
Read the Bible through in a year
I love you!!!
© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich