Topic: You Will Finish With Great Joy [Church of God Mission International] Above Only Daily Devotional 30 September 2021
Click HERE for Previous Above Only
Above Only Devotional
Thursday, September 30
You Will Finish With Great Joy
Acts 20:22-24 (NKJV), 2 Timothy 4:7 (TPT)
And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. *I have fought an excellent fight. I have finished my full course with all my might and I’ve kept my heart full of faith.
How you finish is more important than how you start. In Ecclesiastes 7:8 the Bible says, “better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” God doesn’t just want you to finish whatever you are engaged in, He wants you to finish strong with joy. In every endeavour you are engaged in and as regards God’s purpose for your life, my prayer for you is not just that you will finish strong but that you will finish with joy. That job will endure the journey, no matter what you face.
Apostle Paul decided that He would not loss his joy. He maintained a joy in Christ that rendered him unmovable regardless the great trials and difficulties he faced. It was the same joy that caused him and Silas to pray and sing praises to God even in prison (Acts 16:25). May God fill your heart with His joy right now. May the joy that comes from knowing Him and being conscious of His love, presence and promises consume you.
Many unexpected things will happen and will attempt to steal your joy, but you must not allow them. Your joy is your strength. See problems and challenges as opportunities for new dimensions of God’s power and glory to be revealed in your life. Deem them opportunities for you to grow and increase on the inside. Always have a different and victorious perspective of circumstances. God has promised to always cause you to triumph in Christ (2Cor.2:14). Keep rejoicing in the Lord. Keep refilling your joy in God’s presence. Instead of worrying about anything, pray about it with thanksgiving (Phil.4:6). Let prayer (John 16:24) and the revelation of Christ (John 15:11) fill your heart with joy.
Faith Declaration:
The joy of the Lord is my strength. I never lose my joy. Because my eyes are fixed on God, nothing will ever move me. I shall finish with joy!
Bible In One Year Reading Plan:
Isaiah 60:1-62:5, Philippians 1:27-2:18, Psalms 72:1-20, Proverbs 24:11-12