“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be 1STEADFAST, IMMOVABLE, ALWAYS 2ABOUNDING in the work of the Lord, in the work of the Lord, knowing that YOUR LABOR IS NOT IN VAIN in the Lord.” (1 Corin. 15:58) 1hedraios: firm, immovable. 2perisseuō: to have abundance, more than enough, overflow, to have an excessive amount of something
What is it that makes us steadfast? “Count it all joy, WILL, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces STEADFASTNESS. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that YOU MAY BE PERFECT AND COMPLETE, LACKING IN NOTHING.” (Jam. 1:2-4 ESV)
You know about this WILL because of the recent trial you went through. It was not pleasant at the time but necessary to get you going in the right direction for the Lord. Jesus loves you so very much WILL and that is quite evident in what He has done to help you. The Lord has graciously called me to be an encouragement to you, to provide prayer and inspirational support. The reason I’m mentioning this is to explain how thankful I am to be a part of this! I could never explain how much THIS BLESSES ME to see how the Lord is directing your life and becoming a welcomed and beloved brother to you.“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST, if indeed we suffer with Him, that WE MAY ALSO BE GLORIFIED TOGETHER.” (Rom. 8:16-17) The musical play Annie contains a wonderful illustration of becoming an heir of God. When Annie moves from the orphanage to the Warbucks Mansion, it’s an incredible change for her. She leaves behind a spiteful, alcoholic caretaker and enters a relationship with a caring father. She goes from having no possessions to having a fortune at her disposal. The hard-knock life is overcome by the brightness of a sunny tomorrow. Seen from a Christian perspective, Annie pictures what being a co-heir with Christ means.
Jesus makes this wonderful promise to us WILL, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that WILL may have life, and that he may HAVE IT MORE ABUNDANTLY.” (John 10:10)
Remember, abundantly means: TO HAVE AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF LIFE IN CHRIST…
-Bill Stockham