A good friend of mine had to remind me to celebrate my victories. At first, I was hesitant because I didn’t want to come across as prideful or haughty. I certainly didn’t want to take the credit and glory away from the Lord. This was a different kind of celebration. This was uplifting the Lord for causing a breakthrough in me. I was rejoicing because the chains of bondage not only were loose but fell off. It was not about me it was about applauding God’s transformation of me.
It was stopping to thank and acknowledge God for allowing me to love in a greater way. I was celebrating the changed life. The vision and plan of God were becoming my vision and plan. Living for Jesus was more important to me than the former things, hallelujah! Elation and joy come over me when the Holy Spirit reveals a depth and awareness of the word of God. Yes, I am going to celebrate that on high, praise God. My suggestion to you is to shout from the mountain tops that you aren’t the same person you once were. Continue to celebrate as God continues to transform and sanctify you, Amen.
Gratitude verses arrogance
Sharing what Jesus has done or is doing should be only with the intent and spirit of gratitude to God our Father, not for cockiness or arrogance. Your testimony is to be used to bring people closer to Jesus, the one who saves and changes lives. Your motive for celebrating should not be to make someone envies or rub their nose in your victory. Remember, life can change at any moment for any reason.
Transformation and blessing is tangible and intangible
It’s easy to embrace those things we can see or touch from God. Those blessings and transformations that we can physically handle and admire. We sometimes overlook or dismiss those things that are within, and are just as powerful if not more powerful than what we see. When you respond better than you did the last time or you’re not irritated by something, celebrate that. That’s temperance and self-control at its best. When you are enduring a circumstance that is not the greatest, and you are not murmuring and complaining, celebrate that. That’s longsuffering so God’s plan shines through. Jesus is interested in transforming all of you, from the inside out.
In conclusion
Whatever your victory is in the name of Jesus, celebrate it. No matter how big or small lift it up on high. Praise God that we have something to celebrate. Don’t minimize it or put it down. Jesus is moving in your life and breakthroughs are always happening. Keep your eyes and ears open, mind laser-focus on Jesus, and be alert. Don’t miss any opportunity to celebrate because God is always ready, willing, and able to restore and bless.
ACTION ITEM(S)
- Unapologetically write down breakthroughs and victories that the Lord has caused in your life.
- Meditate on them and give thanks to the Lord for transforming you into His image.
Yesssss….. celebrate!! There is a huge difference between gratitude and arrogance! You said well that our transformation uplifts Jesus! I’m am always grateful to know when God has changed something in me. As we are all works in progress, I praise God that I’m not where I used to be!
Lisa, I am celebrating our transformations with you!!! Thank you Jesus we are growing and maturing every day!!!