“It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be treated as the grandson of the king, but chose to share ill-treatment with God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought that it was better to suffer for the promised Christ than to own all the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking forward to the great reward that God would give him.” Hebrews 11:25-26 TLB
After you accept the love of God and begin to grow out of your old self, some of your old friends who deserted you at first may return with great applause. This always feels gratifying, but be careful here! Don’t be distracted by this apparent success. The approval of others, the restoration to your former positions or relationships, promises of new opportunities and connections, can never again become your motivation. It is the old you giving one last effort to stop your soul from growing beyond its management. You cannot go back. You have spent too much to get here, suffered too much to regress. If possible, you can bring them with you. If not, you must leave them where they are. Let them say or do whatever they will. Pray for them and leave them with God.
God promised that if we seek God and His righteousness first, He will add everything else we need. (Matthew 6:6) You must keep your attention more firmly fixed, more permanently fastened, on God than ever before! Keep your focus on His love. Keep the progress you’ve made and continue to make more. This is the best thing you can do for yourself and for them. Rejoice about the new or renewed hopes, but stay the course!
God, your love has taken me out of this world. Thank you for the hope that my loved ones will all finally understand me and will eventually join me. I will not give up on You. Keep us, and I will tell everyone that you keep your promises.
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