More...Our Trademark

 "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power

may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; 

we are perplexed, but not in despair; 

Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed..." 

2 Corinthians 4:7-9

 As a Christian, I long for more of God. I'm sure you do too. It's our trademark! I don't think a person can ever get close enough to satisfy that God-placed longing in our soul. Thus, we're continually seeking Him. To know Him more. To grow spiritually. For our relationship with Him to be more intimate. To show Him to others. To love like Him. When we desire more, there are times when we won't understand exactly what is happening in our lives.

For, as sure as we acknowledge the desire for more, the devil quickly takes notice and immediately goes on an all-out rampage to cause chaos with the sole intention of distracting and discouraging us. He once had the opportunity for more of God, but he overstepped his boundary, he wanted more of the wrong thing and ended up losing his position forever. He wants us to follow in his footsteps.

Believe me, the devil isn't going to just stand around and do nothing while we grow into mighty warriors. Not without a fight anyhow! He's going to wage all out war on us through our relationships, finances, health, etc. Whatever it takes to sidetrack us from seeking more...that will he do and on a magnified scale.

What just happened? Why did I suddenly have those thoughts or feelings? Where did that come from? How in the world did that slip up on me? 

My friend, the devil is slick. He is an impostor. He'll slip in at the most inopportune times, in the places of our weaknesses. He'll even be bold enough to wage an all out war on areas where we feel strongest. Remember, he's afraid of the power that works within us because he knows the magnitude of that power. He's been up close and personal with it himself. He also knows God has us in the palm of His hand...and He hates us for it.

God's power is at work within us when we're seeking more of Him. We may be troubled and perplexed by what is taking place, persecuted for taking a stand or cast down at times...BUT God. He won't allow our troubles cramp us up in a corner only to leave us there to die, He'll never forsake us or make us fight on our own and He will NOT allow us to be destroyed no matter how weak and hopeless we feel at times. Be encouraged, be courageous.

The treasure that lives within us will perform the miraculous and will sustain us. We will be victorious in battle with God by our side. He will get all the glory in every situation that badgers us if we'll keep close to him and be true, bona-fied Christians. Let's intentionally draw closer to Him each day; only He can fill that longing in our soul. Let's take our trademark seriously, let's wave our banners high...let's seek after more...it's our trademark.