Do not abandon the truth that God is good and loving because of a bad experience. In the midst of all circumstances worship God, and say, “I will yet praise the Lord!” Because God is good, He can take the darkest of defeat and turn it into an overflowing, rich, and abundant life-filled celebration. Our temptation is to think that God must orchestrate the bad situations in our lives to accomplish all of the good. This reasoning makes God a very small, manipulative (little-g) god.
The Bible says that God is good, love, and light. There is no contest between light and darkness. The absence of light is darkness, but once light comes onto the scene there is no more darkness.
A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I [Jesus] came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. John 10:10 MSG
If there is theft, death and destruction you can be certain that this is the work of the enemy. There will always be people on earth that prefer to live in the darkness, and not step into the light of God’s love. From the hearts of such will come dark deeds that will bring about destruction and death to those around them.
[14] In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you. [15] If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing; whoever attacks you will surrender to you. [16] “See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to work havoc; [17] no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 54:14-17
What establishes us in the promises and blessings of God? Righteousness in Christ.
In righteousness we are established. To be established means that we are prepared, ready, firm, stable and enduring! You can’t be knocked down or snuffed out! The Bible is full of verses talking about God’s people being rooted, and established. Unshakable. It is the work of Jesus on the cross that makes you righteous.
We will still feel great hurt, disappointment, frustration, and loss. I just heard a very wise person say that he no longer asks or tries to answer the “why’s.” Instead, he leans into a loving, generous, faithful God, and the promises He has spoken! There is nothing separating you from His love. Hold fast to His love no matter what.
In Christ we have nothing to fear! The tyranny of our slave-master, sin, is over! Our Lord and Savior, Jesus now rules us with love! We must entrust ourselves to the Love of Jesus, and let Him remove all of our fear!
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
A people that fears nothing but God, will be unstoppable!
Do you see how the enemy, the thief and destroyer, would love us to pin the blame for the bad in the world on God? If we can’t trust God’s love, we will not entrust our hearts to Him, allowing Him to establish us as a fearless, overcoming force to be reckoned with!
Remember, the weapons we fight with are not carnal, but spiritual… People are not the problem! People make horrible, destructive choices, because of the sin nature. They, too, need to know the love of God! No weapon has the authority to prevail against you. Unless you allow it. Your thoughts and words are either bringing the life and love of God into your life, or death and destruction. Are you speaking in faith, or in fear?
much love,
