From Sorrow to Victory - Holding on To GOD's Promises

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

There were many witnesses to the death of Jesus Christ, and none of those who stood by watching him be crucified would have ever thought that we would one day celebrate the day or actions taken against him.

None of the women who witnessed him die by the hands of the Roman Army were rejoicing.

None of the apostles whom he poured into for three years were celebrating.

The only celebrations taking place at his death were those who had conspired against him with false witnesses and those who mocked Him as he hung on the cross.

Jesus' death appeared to be the triumph of those who wanted to silence his ministry and destroy his legacy. The last three years that he spent healing the sick, raising the dead and casting out unclean spirits seemed to have come to an unexpected and abrupt end.

But we DO celebrate this day as Good Friday, every year. It was the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ that atoned for the sins of the world, reconciling mankind back to our Creator.

Christians commemorate the day that our Savior was crucified to remind us of the high price He paid for the sins of mankind so that we are able to commune with our Heavenly Father.

The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 2:7-8, "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."

A day of sorrow was actually the beginning of a new era, and the birth of the bride of Christ, his Church.

The mocking and hatred spewed out against Jesus was actually a fulfillment of prophecies and securing of judgment against his enemies.

A time of excruciating pain for the Lamb of GOD was actually a price paid for our healing.

Crucifixion of the Son of Man was actually bringing life to our dead souls so we could commune with GOD without the rituals of the law.

Do you see what was happening?

Can you perceive how the LORD works?!

The Apostle Paul would share with the Roman church that, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28

Be encouraged my friend when all hell appears to break loose in your life.

Take heart and continue praying and seeking GOD when things appear to be going in the opposite direction of your prayers!

Remember our Savior, Jesus Christ, who was crucified and buried in the most horrific fashion. The enemy of our soul thought his tactics had won and his plan had prevailed, BUT GOD cannot be outsmarted, and He can never lose. This same Jesus was raised from the dead and lives even now at the right hand of GOD, interceding on behalf of His beloved Church!

From the beginning when Adam and Eve made the fatal mistake of listening to the chief deceiver, our Heavenly Father had a way of escape for those who would hear and obey Him. He never abandoned mankind and He never will.

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. - 1 Peter 1:18-21

When you are overwhelmed with sorrow, hold on to GOD as tightly as you can.

What appears to be a defeat in your life is really the birthing of something greater than you can ever imagine.

Betrayal is really promotion.

Heartache is really protection.

Abandonment is really revelation of who you are to your Father.

Just as Christ did, you will rise again. The same Spirit that raised Him from the dead lives within you if you profess His name.

His ways are not our ways, neither will we understand everything that happens to us but we can be sure that GOD's Word is true and He will never leave us or forsake us. We can be certain that regardless of the pressure we feel on the outside, GOD is doing a work on the inside.

Our stories are being written in front of all men so that our Father will get the glory. We are only instruments in His hand and you can be sure that what He says he will do will surely come to pass in your life. Just hold on!

Do not be deceived into thinking that unfortunate events in your life are the end.

These are the seeds of a new beginning that you could never imagine.

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21