“True belief requires that we change our attitude toward God. It means that we not only acknowledge His trustworthiness but go on to trust His promises and obey His commandments.” A. W. Tozer
Oh, to be relentless against the workings of the enemy, the worry, the wasting of time, all the fears, and “living with the brakes on”! May we move on from always just thinking, planning, and dreaming of what we will do some day in the future. Let’s take action today.
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:12 (see also John 14:21, 23: 15:10, 1 John 5:3)
In this current battle, let’s resolve to take our stand, to know our place and our assignment, and to move forward in bold confidence in our callings.
Go produce change in this needy world. The Lord God, the Maker of heaven and earth, “’is not restrained to save by many or by few’” (1 Samuel 14:6).
WHAT ABOUT THE RESISTANCE I FEEL?
Realizing that we are in a battle, we must take up the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:13) and use the shield of faith with which “we will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16).
Fiery, flaming arrows will come and if not extinguished, the “fire” will not only spread and affect our own lives/minds (thwarting our forward progress), but will also most assuredly affect those around us.
“Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, tostand firm.” Ephesians 6:13
WHERE DO I EVEN START?
Making forward progress may start with simply asking, “Lord, what is my place? What do I need to take action on?” or by asking, “Am I doing the last thing I heard God instruct me to do?” If something comes to mind, prayerfully consider if perhaps this is your next right step.
We may all have somewhat similar instructions and yet different assignments because one thing we can know for sure is that we are called to “the place of quiet”–of seeking His presence and of knowing His Word, that we may all be built up in faith to stand firm and equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).
“You have said, Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your vital need]. My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence), Lord, will I seek, inquire for, and require [of necessity and on the authority of Your Word].” Psalm 27:8 Amplified Bible
Our place is to stay in this “place” which is too often neglected (by us and by those who too easily influence us)– being completely dependent upon the Lord God Almighty and His strength, abiding in Him (John 15:1-5) and in His Word, loving Him as our priority of life. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
“Complete weakness and dependence will always be the occasion for the Spirit of God to manifest His power.” Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, May 5
Our “place” is (to fight) to keep this as our one thing (Psalm 27:4) and be fully dependent on all that He provides (His direction, His strength, His words, His courage), having our heart completely His and undivided because a heart fully given to Him produces steadfastness and the bold courage necessary to fulfill every good work of faith.
“For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” 2 Chronicles 16:9
Oh Lord, make us a supportable people!
Rise up and take your place. BE the change. Be NOW the change you are longing for and hoping for in your life and in those around you – be the prayer intercessor, the bible student, the friend. Whatever desire for good that is on your heart, strike out in the power of the Holy Spirit and go for it!
We must obey. The time of waiting is over. Take that next known step. Stop waiting. The time is now.
Lord, we come boldly before your throne of grace to seek Your face and receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16), making ourselves ready, being transformed by Your Word and prayer! Holy Spirit, bring to our remembrance anything that we’ve been asked to do that we have not taken action on. Show us if there are fiery arrows that we are allowing to hit their target. Uncover the lies and show us Your truth in their place. We soak our shield of faith in Your word of truth! We believe that You have a plan and a calling that is beyond anything we can even imagine and that You can use us (Eph. 3:20). We choose to follow Your lead. Show us our place. What do we need to take action on today? What are those first next steps?
(Remember you can hover over any of these verses to see them in a pop-up box. Or you may want to look them up on your own to see them in their context.)
