In times like these, some believers in Jesus Christ are struggling with uncertainty and worry. Many hearts seem to be overwhelmed with what's going on in the news. They are giving way to fear! If that's you, I want to encourage you!
Today, I am being reminded by the Holy Spirit about what the Apostle Paul wrote to the followers of Jesus in Romans 8:37. He wrote this "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." More, he said, "more than a conqueror"! That sounds like a powerful spirit-filled person, doesn't it? In the latter part of that verse, what things was he talking about?
Before he made that statement in Romans 8:37, he asked a question in Romans 8:35. Here is the question: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?". This question demands an answer from each and every one of us! But before you answer, think about it for a minute, meditate on that verse.
Now let me ask you, is there anything in this world or in this life that is greater than our Heavenly Father, more magnificent in splendor than our Lord Jesus Christ? Is there anyone or anything more powerful than God the Holy Spirit? Of course not! We must answer with a resounding no! Jesus Christ is Lord of Lords and King of Kings!
Paul then goes on to write in Romans 8:38-39. "For I am persuaded 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."
Now meditate on those words for a few minutes. Those words are supposed to be our reality. That is the spiritual plain that Jesus disciples are supposed to be living on. That is our destiny! However, let me clarify something, I'm not telling you that our destiny is a life devoid of sorrow or pain, troubles or trials. But I will tell you it is supposed to be a victorious life. A life built on Jesus the firm foundation, one that can go through anything and be more than a conqueror through it.
Think of this, no one has ever been called a conqueror who has not won a battle or two! Right? Part of our destiny is to win the battles we face by the power of the Holy Spirit! Jesus won the ultimate battle on the cross and said: "It is finished." Then he ascended into heaven and sent God the Holy Spirit to us, to be another comforter to us. Let Him comfort your heart today that is part of His mission to God's children.
Let me ask you a question. What is your spiritual reality today? Do you have God's peace? Do you feel God's comfort despite what's going on around you? If not, we definitely need to make some adjustments and make them quickly. We need to reset our thinking and place it firmly on God's word and His faithfulness. We need to remember that God's power flow doesn't change with the ups and downs of the stock market, world economies, or this or any future pandemic. He is forever strong and steady. I encourage you to take some time, read through the Bible, and see the true stories of God's deliverance for His people. These days, while many are spending more time at home, we should be spending much more time in God's book than on Facebook.
Many people who struggle with fear, worry, and anxiety are investing to much time on the wrong things. They are watching too much news, scanning too much Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. and spending very little time in God's Book! Yes, God uses what others say through things like this devotional. Still, ultimately, He wants to encourage us directly through our times of prayer, and times in His written words in the Bible.
When you finish reading this, go right to His Word! If you don't know where to start, start by reading the red letters, the words that Jesus spoke in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Those words are eternal; they are life-giving and full of heavenly inspiration. Will you do it? God is waiting for you in your quiet place. I can promise you if you do it, you won't be disappointed, and God won't be either!
He loves you and longs to give you that peace that passes understanding!
Brian