"It Matters!"

 "The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep." (John 10:13 NLT)

  "Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shinning like bright lights in a world of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. But I will rejoice even if I lose life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy." (Philippians 2:14-18 NLT)

 We might not understand why certain things happen, but in case we need to know, we must remember that God allows certain things to happen for a reason. The thing that matters the most, is what you believe about God's faithfulness to know what is best and that He loves you so much; and then, with every bit of strength within you, you do not give up believing in Him! 

 I know that might seem easy to say, for someone that might not have it so bad. I cannot forget, "I complained about having no shoes, until I saw a man that had no feet." Don't really remember where I heard that, but I am pretty sure that I have heard it more than once. Regardless, whatever your situation or trial might be, it is your issue, but it is not your own! 

 We must keep in mind, that God has us here for a reason. It matters to those to whom it matters, whether we realize who they are or not, God only knows! If you ever heard the one about the guy who was walking down the beach and was picking up Starfish that were washed up on the shore, throwing them back in the ocean. And someone saw what he was doing, and said, "There is too many there for you to save, what's to going to matter?" The man said, as he threw a one back to sea, "It matters to that one!" 

If you are familiar with Paul's letter to Philippi, then you should know the main theme, 'is the all-sufficiency of Christ in any circumstance, good or bad.' No matter what, Paul's deepest concern was for those that were faithfully following God, to not get discouraged about his situation, even if it meant that he was killed, his death was going to be a blessing. 

 No matter what, God has our lives securely in His hand! We must faithfully believe that is so, no matter how hard the circumstance or situation might appear, Jesus suffered more! I cannot imagine the pain, having been something He could have stopped, but still, He endured for us! Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep." 

 As a willing sacrifice, He took on all the shame and pain, not worried about any of it, because He knew what was on the other side of that horrific ordeal...

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people, then you won't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin." (Hebrews 12:1-4 NLT)