AVAAT

A VERSE AT A TIME

TOPIC: SEEING BEYOND THE PRESENT

TEXT: HEBREWS 11:8-16

KEY VERSE: We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on the cross. But he accepted the shame of the Cross as if it were nothing because of the joy he could see waiting for him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. Hebrews 12:2(ERV)

Having a clear vision is crucial in achieving your purpose. It fuels your passion and keeps you motivated. Jesus understood his mission, and although he performed many miracles and gained a large following, he knew that his ultimate goal required him to die on the Cross.

Sometimes, when we experience success, we may think we are doing enough. However, it’s essential to understand God’s plan and the scope of our assignment. Before Jesus was born, an angel said he would save his people from their sins, which was to be accomplished on the Cross. While Jesus taught and healed people, they wanted to make him their King. However, Jesus walked away from this opportunity because he was focused on the joy of sitting at the Father’s right hand. His disciples did not initially understand his actions, but Jesus was driven by the vision to fulfil his purpose.

Jesus knew that the people planned to come get him and make him their King. So he left and went into the hills alone.John 6:15(ERV)

The next day, Jesus went to a place to be alone. The people looked for him. When they found him, they tried to stop him from leaving. But he said to them, “I must tell the Good News about God’s kingdom to other towns too. This is why I was sent.” Luke 42-43(ERV)

Sometimes, people abandon their life’s purpose due to temporary challenges. However, our text provides a positive example of faithful individuals who persevered through hardships and continued to trust in God’s plan. As Abraham and his descendants journeyed from place to place, they held onto their faith that God had a promised land waiting for them. Jacob shared this vision with Joseph, who, despite living securely in Egypt, made his family promise to take his bones with them when they left for the promised land.

So he will do to me whatever he has planned. He controls my destiny. Job 23:14(NLT)

God will test our belief in the future; he shows us through delays, persecution, and trials of our faith. We must not doubt the promise but keep our eyes on Jesus, the initiator and completer of our faith. Joseph experienced this, but he stayed true to God throughout his travails until his vision came to pass. The devil may offer alternatives along the way, but none can compare to eternal riches if we look at them as Moses did. Like a newly wedded couple, we must believe in the best for our union with God. God is faithful and goes ahead of us to perform the things he has written for us.

 Moses grew up and became a man. He refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose not to enjoy the pleasures of sin that last such a short time. Instead, he chose to suffer with God’s people. He did this because he had faith. He thought it was better to suffer for the Messiah than to have all the treasures of Egypt. He was waiting for the reward that God would give him. Hebrews 11:24-26(ERV)

Reflection Questions

1. Can you recall the vision that God has given you for your life?
2.  Despite your current situation, do you feel encouraged to trust Him? 
3. Is there any particular scripture that keeps you anchored to God’s plan? 
4. Lastly, do you need to speak to God about any fear you have regarding the future?

Photo by Andrew Itaga on Unsplash