By means of the Bible we are adequately equipped for everything required of us.
Paul Washer, Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church (p.10)
I love Bible stories when I was a kid, stories about Moses, Noah’s Ark, Jonah and the Giant Fish. But sad to say that I did not push through reading these stories from the Bible itself. I started really reading the Bible in the year 2017. However, not as consistent as I want it to be. It was not long ago, that my husband and I diligently immerse in God’s word together and individually.
I have an attitude of wanting everything to be stable and calm. When something threatens to disrupt that peace, I get anxious and panicky. Most of these situations involves conflicts and misunderstanding. I am not a fan of confrontations and all that chaos. And prefer bottling up of emotions and sweeping all arguments under the rug. Then again, the hope and guidance of God’s word is definitely restores the soul of the weary and leads us to paths of righteousness (Psalm 23:3).
Different from what I was before, I now practice grounding my reactions based on the truth offered by the scriptures. For the word is the lamp to our feet and light to our paths, as the Psalmist said (Psalm 119:105).
Scripture
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 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 firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, — Ephesians 6:11-17 ESV
Observation
Various challenges comes and go in our lifetime. Some people might even experience the same situation, however these persons have different learnings. Hardships are not punishment, which some of us might think of this that way. I know I have before. As a matter of fact, I have questioned God on what is happening in my life on my teen years. Who has not?
Be that as it may, I have grown a lot from that emotional teen to a bit of a mature thinking lady. But it is not of my own doing. The Holy Spirit guided me on what I should do. Moreover, the Spirit provided wisdom to understand what God expects from His followers, through the example lived out by Jesus Christ. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit helped me understood the scriptures.
It is well described in Psalm, that one should store up God’s words in their hearts so not to sin against Him (119:11). As a result, your life will be lengthened and peace will be given to you (Proverbs, 3:1-2).
Application
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- Are you facing challenges in your life?
- How do you equip yourself to face these obstacles?
- Do you find God’s words as a help? And if so, how?
- Have you surrender to God’s will for your life? Accept Jesus Now
Prayer
Almighty Father, You are our defender and protector. Equip us Lord to face the struggles we face everyday. We acknowledge that everything You do is for our good. Help us then not to be stubborn, and to keep us close to you. May we follow the examples set by Jesus Christ and may the Holy Spirit guide us against the evil ones.
All these we pray, through the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
