You only get the CROWN after the battle is over! Yes...I said BATTLE! If success were easy, anybody could do it. However, SUCCESS is only SUCCESS after you've come through the STRUGGLE with victory! Sure, you may have some wounds from the battle...but SUCCESS is inevitable for the child of God who not only SURVIVES the attack...but THRIVES as well!
How can you have a VICTORY without a CONFLICT? You can't! In order to be an OVERCOMER you have to have something to COME OVER!
Anyone who thinks that they'll reach their goal without a STRUGGLE is wishing for something that COSTS nothing. Anything that COSTS you NOTHING won't have the same VALUE as that which you have PAID for on the BATTLE FIELD!
In department stores, before the surge of electronics, people used to switch price tags on clothing and items in order to lessen the price of the product they wanted. It's no different today! Many are trying to do the same thing in their SPIRITUAL LIFE! They want the CHRISTIAN DISCOUNT on the promises of God! They don't want to have to PAY for anything of VALUE. Thus, we've birthed a generation of SELF-CENTERED, CHEAP, CHARISMATIC CHRISTIANS who want SOMETHING for NOTHING!
Friends...your PAYMENT helps you appreciate the BLESSINGS when they come because you know the EXPENSE!
With the EXPENSE comes an APPRECIATION for every STRUGGLE you had to endure to make it to where you are today! Your STRUGGLE actually PUSHES you up!
Don't be surprised by the ATTACK of the enemy when you become to achieve GRACEFUL SUCCESS! Sadly, there will even be people in the body of Christ who will become offended at your success and seek to discredit anything you do in the name of The Lord.
You can't concern yourself with those who seek to find fault, criticize you or shun you. Often, people are offended at what God has done for you and the FAVOR that is upon your life. They'll never rejoice with you because somehow they feel that your success came at their expense. Friends...NO DIPLOMACY can calm a jealous heart.
I want to encourage you today to WEAR YOUR COAT of FAVOR! Man may try to steal it...but when you wear it long enough on the OUTSIDE...your INSIDES will recognize the DESTINY before you!
You are BLESSED and HIGHLY FAVORED! Your STRUGGLE is preparing you for SUCCESS!
More to come...