As I am writing this, I am quietly aware this is Ash Wednesday the first day of Lent, the 40 days before Easter (not including Sundays). This would be the culmination of Jesus ministry on Earth with His death and resurrection. This was the fulfilment of the Father’s plan for the Son. We have seen other characters, Simeon and Anna whose earthly ministry was fulfilled in Jesus’ birth and consecration in the Temple (Luke 2:25-38). They understood their calling and God’s plan for their lives and diligently and patiently set about fulfilling it.
Their testimony, as did Jesus’ story, points to the fact that God has a plan for all our lives here on Earth and at the end of this plan, the next part of the journey is the exit from this world. The Bible says in Psalm 139:16, “all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” So, there is an end destination date and a season until that date to fulfil what God has planned for our life. To achieve this there is a focus on fulfilling God’s plan and focusing on living life well.
As my pastor puts it, we must realise there is another team on the pitch who is committed to us not achieving this desired result. One of the descriptions Jesus gave was that of a thief whom we need to watch out for. The Bible says in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Unfortunately, one thing I have observed in life is that too many in the church are not aware that we have an enemy who wants to destroy us, to stop us achieving our call.
Some of you will know my testimony. (See my free e-book “Surviving Trials” on the PK website [here]). At some time, we may bump into a medical terminal diagnosis for ourselves or another. Remember, the doctors aren’t God. If such an event happens then you ask God, “Is this my time for coming home?” If you don’t get a confirmation, then you stand and fight. We accept that Jesus died to save us. But do we believe that Jesus bore stripes so that we are healed? Isaiah 53:5, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
I believe we have a loving Heavenly Father who will prepare us for our exit from this world. Like Simeon and Anna, I have an expectation of knowing when the end season is upon me. I make it a declaration that I will live all the days ordained for me and I will not leave one day earlier nor one day later. In the meantime, I work at fulfilling and seeking the call of God on my life. It is God’s role to get me to the fullness of days and my role to claim the protection of the Lord. If you read and declare regularly Psalm 91 you will claim the protection from all the things that can attack a man here on Earth.
So, soldier of God! Take up the fill armour of God and advance. Fulfil the plans He has for you. In acknowledging this we realise there is a place of contesting, a war zone if you will. The Apostle Paul understood the call of God on his life but also understood that he would be attacked by the enemy. He gives us some sound advice in Ephesians 6:10-18. I encourage you to spend some time reading this passage.
In fulfilling the calling of God on your life, death has no sting. Fear not for HE is with you. Expect to have a knowing of the end season and like Simeon and Anna be at peace. Now until that day, press on!
Blessings
Peter Goulter
