(Note for the reader: This morning it was on my heart to share this "message" from my personal writing that I journaled back in January of this year. I'm learning that what we go through isn't about us or for us. It is all about His Kingdom purpose in us and through us. I pray this blesses and encourages someone who needs it today. Know that you are not alone!)
"Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through Him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see--such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through Him and for Him. He existed before anything else, and He holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is the body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ's blood on the cross." Colossians 1:15-20
I don't know about you, but this morning during my time with God, what keeps coming to my heart is that if you have committed in your heart to follow Jesus and consecrate your life for Kingdom purpose, YOU ARE A TARGET. The enemy of our souls wants to take us out and will pull out all of the stops to do so. We MUST remind ourselves Whom we belong to. The word of God tells us that ALL THINGS in heaven and on earth have been reconciled. When I did a little studying of the word "reconciled" this is what blew me away. Check this out (I copied and pasted from a Bing search): "make (one account) consistent with another, especially by allowing for transactions begun but not yet completed."
Whaa what's that, you say? Okay, so through Christ's blood on the cross... all things past, present and FUTURE are settled? YES, they are!
As I fast and pray during this time, I have discovered that I have become more sensitive all the way around. While I am physically experiencing fatigue, which, in the natural sense would weaken all of the other areas of my being... and the darts from the enemy have come faster and more furious than I can ever recall in my life... my spirit man is STRONGER than ever. My emotions are more sensitive (I feel things deeper) from extreme joy to extreme pain. I'm feeling it. I'm experiencing highs and lows. The highs are the highest they've ever been and the lows seem to be the lowest that they have ever been. Lower than when I was in the world and not walking with God. (Another interesting nugget.) Things around me are chaotic. People seem to be more on edge. They are furious and if can find a flaw in you they will make it clear to you that they see it. Not only that, it's likely they are trying to point the flaws that they see in you, out to others. And it's all okay. Really. Just let it go.
God reminded me this morning that I am His and no weapon formed against me will prosper. God knows the true ins and outs of all things. He examines the motives of the heart and he is my vindicator. This battle has already been paid for on the cross! I need only turn to Him in my times of trouble and He is my ready Help. He is all that I need and He is more than enough. So what can mere men do to me? Nothing! And the same goes for you.
The struggle is real, I know. But our God keeps His word and it will not fall void. If His word says that He is our protection so "do not fear", then He is and don't! Keep your eyes fixed on Him and He will fight your battles for you. Don't get too distracted with the worries of life, with people and what's going on. All of the chaos. Take GOD at His word! Guard that heart. Speak God's word over every situation. YIELD THAT SWORD! Submit to God, resist the enemy and he HAS TO flee. For all of the things that you see in the natural, there's a bigger Kingdom purposed reason attached that you do not see. Remember that the war is being fought in the supernatural realm and He has sent His angels to watch over and guard around you. (Psalm 91:10) He is working ALL OF these things for your good and for His glory! Know that you serve a MIGHTY, all knowing God who has already reconciled your life! He is allowing for transactions begun but not yet completed!
HOLD YOUR PEACE (Exodus 14:14) and when you've done all that you can do, STAND! (Ephesians 6:14-15) Put on truth as a belt to strengthen you to stand in triumph. Put on holiness as the protective armor that covers your heart. Stand on your feet alert, then you’ll always be ready to share the blessings of peace.
Run into the lap of your Daddy God... and let Him fight your battles for you. PRESS IN. PRAY. REACH OUT FOR GODLY COUNSEL, to someone mature in the Lord whom you can trust. Know that though it may not look like it, the victory has already been won! (Ephesians 6:13...for you are destined for all things and will rise victorious.)
A few scriptures for today are:
Psalms 1:6 But how different it is for the righteous!
The Lord embraces their paths as they move forward
while the way of the wicked lead only to doom.
Psalms 121:5-8 Jehovah Himself will watch over you; He’s always at your side to shelter you safely in His presence. He’s protecting you from all danger both day and night. He will keep you from every form of evil or calamity as He continually watches over you. You will be guarded by God himself. You will be safe when you leave your home and safely you will return. He will protect you now, and he’ll protect you forevermore!
Psalms 91:10-1 When we live our lives within the shadow of God Most High,
our secret hiding place, we will always be shielded from harm. How then could evil prevail against us or disease infect us?
Isaiah 54:17 But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!
Psalms 34:7 The angel of the Lord stooped down to listen as I prayed, encircling me, empowering me, and showing me how to escape. He will do this for everyone who fears God.
Be encouraged. YOU ARE SO BLESSED!
Written By: Melinda Brown