These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. - John 16:33
But what does this mean exactly?
God has equipped us with every good thing to navigate our trials. But it is our job to understand how. Scripture says:
'My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge...'
- Hosea 4:6 (NKJV)
What knowledge? Well... for starters, we are in a spiritual battle. Did you know?
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
-Ephesians 6:10
When we understand the spiritual battle and the enemy we face, we begin to understand the importance of the instruction, wisdom, knowledge and spiritual authority God has given us.
The good news is... all the knowledge we need comes from God's Word (scripture). In fact... the results of a study on the impact of reading scripture may surprise you. The study found that those participants who read the Bible 4 times or more per week were less likely to engage in a list of harmful behaviors such as gambling, pornography, and sex outside of marriage. Interesting, yes?
The point isn't to check a box... 'I did this right see?' God's instruction for us is meant to help us, not condemn us. Because he knows that our impulsive choices - those ones that feel good in the moment- may actually bring more suffering to our lives. And what good Father wants to see His children suffer?
And in this messy, flawed, human process - with no shortage of mistakes along the way - His GRACE covers us!
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 6:23 (NKJV)
God's will for His Children is that they would live! And through His Holy Spirit that lives in us, through our faith in Christ Jesus, we have this beautiful grace to understand and discern His truth. Suddenly, the world begins to make more sense... we are able to better navigate our way through it... and we are gifted with a peace that surpasses all understanding. When we seek His wisdom and instruction each day, it changes us from the inside out. We begin to bear good fruit in our lives and experience a new kind of internal peace - one that is foreign to the world:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. -Galatians 5:22-23
So, when (not if) life flares up and the upset and overwhelm tries to set in, remember...
Who you are:
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:10
The authority you have:
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. - Luke 10:19
And stay grounded in the Word of God. For THAT. Is where you are equipped by your Father for the battles you face.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.
-Ephesians 6:13-18
I hope this blessed you today.
Stay encouraged in the Lord.
Pray without ceasing.
Remember the hope that is in Christ Jesus. And know...
...that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
-Romans 8:38-39
Until next time...
Continue this journey with us to build a home on the rock of wisdom and understanding... and join us as we continue to expand on this blog series - Building a Home with Wisdom and Understanding.
For further reading, check out Proverbs 31 for more on the virtuous woman’s path.
Use GLC's The Goal Setting Handbook to apply faith-based principles as you work toward achieving your unique goals. This handbook includes valuable and relevant scriptures and structure to support you on your journey toward success.
Thank you for spending a few moments with us today to reflect and re-focus.
With love.
-Elizabeth & Oz