Margaret Reveira's Blog

Before I became a Christian and in the early days of my commitment to Christ, I was under the impression that those who followed God were designed to live a life that was devoid of any type of troublesome challenge. I quickly discovered that my thoughts on the subject were erroneous at best as tribulation presented itself in various forms soon thereafter. In one particular and yet significant instance, I was sued by an individual for $30 million dollars. My human instinct took over and I initially panicked. And yet in the midst of that turmoil, I heard the Lord say “Did I not lead My people out of Egypt?” At that moment, I choose to rest in Him as I knew that He had already settled the issue on my behalf. My ability to forgive also played a factor for two months later, I encountered the plaintiff near my work place. As he began to explain his reasons for the suit, I simply replied that I had forgiven him for his actions which truly I had. God’s peace flooded my being and one year later, the matter was dismissed.

Psalm 138:7 states”Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out Your hand and Your right hand delivers me.” Despite the circumstances that I’ve encountered, I have seen the truth of that scripture manifest itself repeatedly and without fail. Without question, He is my deliverer.

The world’s diminished moral structure has readily embraced ungodliness as a treasure to be strived for. Unfortunately there are also those within the church who despite their vocal affiliation with The Lord, have pushed holiness aside like an antiquated relic. And yet, the Bible is replete with numerous references to holiness and how God expects us to live. In 1 Thessalonians 4:7, we are told “For God did not call us to impurity but in holiness.” We are further instructed in 1 Peter 1:15-16 “Instead, as He who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct for it is written “You shall be holy for I am holy.”

The emphasis on holiness has been largely relegated to a casual mention in our churches and other places of worship. We condone that which The Lord has called unclean as we do not wish to offend or to be ostracized. We speak against certain sins yet we continually vote politicians into office who blatantly put laws into effect that contradict the Word of God.

In 1 Corinthians 6:9, St. Paul warned the church “Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived…” Our tendency towards deception is again addressed in Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived. God is not mocked for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit.”

In response to those passages, though a few will agree, I’ve heard many say “Well, God knows my heart…” “I’m a work in progress.” “God is a God of love. He won’t condemn me.” “I’m a good person which is all God really wants.” “There is no hell and even if it did exist, God is too good to send people there.” There is no conviction but rather a perpetuation of excuses. Yet Jesus Himself said in Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name and do many deeds of power in your name?’ Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; go away from me you evil doers.’

God is calling us into a life which glorifies Him. When we choose to adapt ourselves to holiness, He will direct us every step of the way.

Beginning in Matthew 25:14, The Lord speaks of the man, whom before he embarked on his journey, entrusted property to his slaves and gave them talents, each according to their ability. Upon the man’s return, he settled his accounts and was pleased when two of the slaves informed him how they had invested the talents. The third servant admitted that his own fear prompted him to bury his talent in the ground. For that, he was exiled from the household while the other two slaves were blessed with more for their efforts.

In the last number of years, this story has reminded me of those who squander their lives and do absolutely nothing with the gifts and talents bestowed on them by God. Each one of us was created with a specific purpose that has been designed to impact the world and to bless those around us. Indeed, it is His desire that we walk in that for which we have been called and it is He alone who can bring it to pass…to prepare the opportunity…provide the necessary funds…and open doors that no one can close. Indeed, to follow God’s express will and not that suggested by another, will surely bring about the words “Well done My good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21).

In Psalm 37:4, we are told “Delight yourself in The Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

As a good father longs to bless his children, so it is with God. When it comes to Him, there are many with the misconception that The Lord is concerned only with our basic needs and has no regard for our aspirations. Yet they fail to realize that it is He who placed those same dreams in our hearts which He yearns to fulfill. All that He requires is an intimacy with Him. When we truly align ourselves with God, the desires of our heart coincide with His Word. As we focus on The Lord, and discover our joy in Him, He alone can open doors and present opportunities to us which the world deems as impossible.

I was married for the first time at 48, and prior to that, there were many who told me that to find a husband at that age was a daunting task, even for God. I disregarded their comments and instead sought Him with a fervency…not for His Hand, but rather His Heart. In essence, I delighted myself in Him and in the midst of that all, He blessed me with a man who walks in His ways.