I’ve read this verse over and over again and this afternoon it is hitting me in a deeper way that pushes me to greater understanding. Thank-you Lord!
Yesterday I had someone tell me that I look so happy all the time. I am thankful for the compliment, however, I know that my fiancé, mother, and maid of honor could tell you otherwise these past couple weeks!
I have been healed from Bipolar Disorder II (Thank-you Lord!!!! & shout out to my fiancé for telling me to stop keeping God inside a box), so I no longer deal with suicidal thoughts or depression. With the wedding coming up in 3 short months and me trying to originally plan it in my own will, as you could guess, my plans didn’t work out well. & man, my attitude was poor.
I am doing better this week. Scripture, prayer, and fellowship have gotten me through just fine. This morning when I read this, I realized that even though the bumps in the road and complications may come, that they’re shaping me into a more mature believer. I realize that the suffering I have dealt with in my life is absolutely NOTHING compared to what Jesus Christ endured. I have realized that the reason I have been under spiritual attack lately is not only because I will be getting married in October to the one God has chosen, but because I am on the verge of a spiritual breakthrough.
Declare VICTORY over your life.
We tend to forget that the battle is already won, myself included.
“Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”-JAMES 1:12 AMP
As long as we are submitting to his ways instead of ours, (let’s face it people, we don’t always have the best plans or make the best choices, we aren’t able to see the BIG picture like he is ((Thank-you Pastor Kim!)), he tells us everything will work out for the good! “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”-ROMANS 8:28 AMP
Not only that, but he PROMISES those who love him and persevere through trials, the crown of life. How awesome is that!? It’s easy to say “I will be patient, loving, persevere, and joyful through trials” until we actually face them. But, I know personally that I have given the stupid devil too much time and control in my life.
I know who God is and I know who I am & I am equipped for the battle, (“Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]. So stand firm and hold your ground, HAVING TIGHTENED THE WIDE BAND OF TRUTH (personal integrity, moral courage) AROUND YOUR WAIST and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (an upright heart), and having strapped on YOUR FEET THE GOSPEL OF PEACE IN PREPARATION [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news]. Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”-EPHESIANS 6:11-17 AMP).
Do you truly understand the power that is inside you? & do you realize how big of a blessing you have in front of you? Persevere and be joyful through whatever the devil tries to throw at you because you know that nothing is more powerful than God.
