WHAT DOES GOD EXPECT OF ME AFTER HE HAS GIVEN ME HIS SALVATION?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.
(John 4)

MEDITATION:
After Jesus told His disciples that He would soon be leaving them, He prayed.
He explained to them what would happen so they would not be surprised
and experience turmoil at His departure.
He wanted them to understand in advance,
so they would not be shocked at the events that were about to happen.
    “I have told you these things, so that in me you may
     have peace. In this world you will have trouble.
     But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
     (John 16:33)

We are kind of like the disciples, aren’t we?
When we are prepared in advance, we can usually cope with things a little better.
When we experience the peace from Jesus, we can handle things even better.
It doesn’t mean that we would choose, or even like what is going to happen
(or is happening), but we are given an unusual peace that helps us manage through it.
This peace from the Lord
shows the kind of love He has for His true followers and worshippers.

Back to the prayer of Jesus.
He told the Father that He had ‘brought Him glory’.
How? By ‘finishing the work’ God gave Him to do.
If we are followers of Christ,
then we would have to assume that God gives each of us work to do as well.

Look what Paul said in his second letter to Timothy.
    I have fought the good fight, I have finished
    the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)
He said he had ‘finished the race’,
implying that he had completed the path God created for him.
Paul felt that he had ‘finished the work’ given to Him by the Lord.

Whenever we receive salvation from God,
it is not the end of our journey, but the beginning.
At the proper time, He will give each of us specific areas
where He wants us to ‘work’ in order to bring Him glory.

It may not be an area of our choosing and it might take us out of our comfort zone,
but if we are committed to following Him, we will step out on faith and confidence
that whatever He asks us to do, He will equip us with what we need to be effective.
It may require a change in our lifestyle and habits, but when we realize we are
‘bringing Him glory’, we can experience a new level of fellowship with Him.
Not only that, but we will discover a new and worthy purpose for living!

ACTION:
What work has God given you to complete?
Has it taken you out of your comfort zone,
or required a change in your habits and lifestyle?
Anytime we are expected or required to do something new and different,
we can feel uncomfortable initially, but never forget that when the Lord
is involved, you will get used to it, and you will be blessed.
Will you be able to say you have ‘finished the work’ when you see God?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me. Forgive me for overlooking
the fact You want me to bring You glory on earth, by finishing whatever
You want me to do. Show me the work you want me to complete, and give
me the courage and confidence to exercise my faith, by trusting that You
will be with me, and provide me with what I need. Instill in me a desire to
accept and diligently pursue Your desires for me while I live out my life
on earth. Thank You for allowing me to be a part of Your earthly ministry.”