Welcome to Motivational Mondays!
First things first, what is Motivational Mondays?
Just like it sounds, to motivate, to empower, and to encourage you on the first day of a fresh week. I don't know about you but Mondays can be a drag for me, so sometimes words of encouragement and positivity are helpful to start my day off right.
Motivational Monday's topic is:
Not Meant to Break
Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36
I don't know about y'all but being a Christian and getting into heaven is hard work. When I started this journey of getting closer to God I was sure that I knew what I needed to do. I mean I considered myself to be a good person and I always tried to treat others the way I wanted to be treated. It takes so much more than just knowing scripture and being kind, it takes action. So many times when situations got hard I wanted to give up because it was just too much. But then I would open the bible and study the word and I would think about all the things that Jesus had endured for us. I thought about what the world would be like if he gave up on us. We would be in utter disarray all the time. I am so glad that Jesus did not give up on us.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12
What does it mean when I say we are "Not Meant to Break?"
It means that in our lifetime we will be tested, we will go through many trials and many tribulations. Some that are bigger and more challenging than others. They are meant to test our character, our faith, our endurance, our trust in God and his plan, and so much more. When we are going through these trials and tribulations it is important that we have a steady foundation in God and his word. It is imperative that our faith line and our spiritual lives are strong so that we can have confidence in ourselves in Christ.
The Devil wants to see us fail, he wants to see our faith deplete, he wants to see us fold under pressure, he wants your mind. You must remember that you are meant for greatness, you are not meant to break. When you have been proven worthy, you have passed the test, and you have overcome the trials and tribulations you will be rewarded with the riches and blessings promised to you in heaven.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them. Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.
Daniel 3:16-28
The scripture above is a great example of how we are not meant to break. These three men were faced with a test and a trial; they were sentenced to be put to death by being burned alive inside an overheated furnace because they would not bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar. I don’t know about some of y’all but I would have been second-guessing myself. Like today is not a good day to be cooked. These men, however, accepted their fate and told the king that they weren’t scared they knew that God had them covered and would pull them through if it was God's will to. These 3 men had an unshakable faith and believed in God wholeheartedly. They believed in God's will and did not give in to the wiles of the King. They did not crack or fold under pressure by giving in to the king. It would have certainly been easier, but the important thing to note is that what must be done is not always easy. They passed the test by staying true to God and God rewarded them for their unwavering faith.
When things get tough and you are thinking about taking the easy way out please remember that you are like the 3 men in the scripture. You are not meant to break, I am not meant to break, WE are not meant to BREAK!
**I hope everyone has a safe and blessed week and I will see you all on Saturday for our Weekly Topic Saturdays**
~Just Breathe...A Golden Dream~
Amen.