Imagine this: Someone insults you, and in that moment, your heart races, your fists clench, and your mind is already plotting your response. You are ready to give them “hot hot,” to ‘change it’ for them and their entire household, even their generation unborn.
But then, something happens. You hesitate. You hold back. You pause, and suddenly, the old you does not seem to have as much power over you anymore. In that moment, you realize that the Holy Spirit has been at work in you.
In that very moment of triumph over the flesh, heaven applauded you!
There was a time when you would not have thought twice before replying to an insult or reacting in anger. A sharp word, a cold stare, or a quick outburst came naturally.
Many of us have been in situations where we would normally have reacted instantly, but instead, we felt a restraint inside. Maybe we caught ourselves thinking or even saying out loud, “If you had met me before I gave my life to Christ, you would not have dared! I would have shown you pepper!” Or, “If not for God, ehn…”
Celebrate Your Progress
That pause, that moment of surrender, is not just self control-it is growth. It is evidence that God is shaping, molding, and nurturing the fruit of the Spirit within you. And while it may feel frustrating at times, what if I told you that heaven is watching? What if, at that very moment, all of heaven was on its feet, applauding you for choosing the way of Christ?
There are moments when the restraint feels almost painful. Your chest tightens. Everything in you wants to retaliate. You turn, almost as if looking at the Holy Spirit, pleading, “Did you see that? Why should I be the one to keep quiet?” You bite your finger, thinking to yourself, “Ha! Me! I would have shown this guy how it is done! Please, Lord, just let me give this guy a piece. I won’t overdo it, I promise…”
Do not beat yourself up for having this kind of conversation. In fact, the very fact that you are having it with the Holy Spirit shows significant progress. You are no longer doing as you please, accountable to no one.
The mere fact that you are trying to talk the Holy Spirit into letting you do what your old self would have done is proof of growth. Celebrate it!
Soon, these conversations with the Holy Spirit will become less frequent. What used to easily rile you up, what once felt like a trigger for anger, no longer has the same power. You’ve grown.
Heaven’s Applause for Your Growth: The Stadium of Heaven – A Victory Cheer
Imagine yourself in a packed football stadium, not as a spectator but as a player. Now picture the moment you score a goal. Can you hear it? The explosion of cheers, the deafening roar of celebration from every corner of the stands. The sheer energy, the excitement-it is overwhelming! And that is just from the people in the stadium. Think about those watching from home, shouting at their screens, jumping up in excitement. Honestly, I don’t know how players handle that kind of noise when something incredible happens on the field! And all of this for a single goal.
Now, shift your focus to something even greater-your walk with God. Every step forward, every little victory over sin, every act of obedience-it is like heaven itself erupts in celebration! The angels, the saints, the great cloud of witnesses, they are all watching, all cheering, all rejoicing over your progress.
“If only you could hear His voice whisper, ‘Well done, my child. I am proud of you.’ If only you could see the joy on the Father’s face, the angels and saints clapping, cheering you on with every step you take.” I wish you could hear God say: “I dey gallant for your back”
When the Bible tells us to lay aside every weight that slows us down, every burden that keeps us trapped in cycles, every distraction that hinders us from running the race set before us (Hebrews 12:1), it also reminds us that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses-saints who have gone before us, urging us forward, calling us to finish well. I like to imagine them actually cheering us.
So in that moment of surrender, when your flesh is crushed, when you choose obedience even through tears, when you choose to be led by the Spirit instead of your emotions, heaven rejoices,
Who said the making of a king was easy? Who said the road to eternity is paved with roses?
God Sees the Battles No One Else Acknowledges
God sees the battles you fight in your heart, the silent victories no one else acknowledges, and He celebrates them. Every step you take in alignment with His will is a step forward. It is proof that His Spirit is at work in you.
And here’s the best part: not only does heaven celebrate when you do what is right, but it also celebrates every time you pick yourself up and persevere. Every time you fall, every time you sin but refuse to stay down, every time you rise up, ask for and receive forgiveness from God, and keep going, heaven cheers you on!
“There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7).
“For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again” (Proverbs 24:16).
The Recognition That Truly Matters
Instead of dwelling on how you feel, begin to see things for what they truly are-progress.
1 Corinthians 15:58 says: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord”.
There is a story I have heard my brother in law share in some of his sermons. I do not remember all the details vividly, but it was something about ministering to people. Afterward, he heard God say, “Thank you.”
That was more than just words-it was an applause from heaven. It was an acknowledgment from the Father Himself, saying, “We saw what you did. We recognize your sacrifice. We celebrate you.”
So even when no one claps for you, even when your labor seems unseen, remember that heaven is watching. And sometimes, God Himself whispers His thanks. Let that be your encouragement to keep going, to keep growing, to keep serving, to keep pouring yourself out. Because heaven sees you, and heaven celebrates you.
God’s Grace and Jesus’ Support: Your Unfailing Strength
As you continue in His work and in your journey of growth-whether in patience, love, or any other virtue, remember that you are never alone. God is watching, and all of heaven is cheering you on. Even more, He is pouring out fresh grace to strengthen you, to keep you standing, and to help you finish well.
Never stop believing that the One who began a good work in you is more than able to complete it (Philippians 1:6). Always approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that there you will find mercy and help in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
And if there was ever any doubt that God understands what it means to be human-to feel the weight of weakness, the struggles of the flesh, Jesus Christ put that to rest. He walked this earth as a man, faced every temptation we do, yet remained without sin. But He didn’t stop there. Now, He stands as our High Priest, our Advocate, the One who intercedes for us.
Think about that. Of all the beings in heaven who celebrate your journey, none is cheering louder than Jesus Himself. He is your greatest Cheerleader, urging you forward, reminding you that with Him, you will overcome.
