Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen Hebrews 11: 20-21
In Christ, we are given all that we need to live free from anxiety, fear, guilt or shame. Yet, we go about our lives too often as though we are paupers spiritually. Oh, yes; I am well aware of the turmoil that surrounds us in this world. The news broadcasts are filled with the constant flow of anger, hatred, hypocrisy, terror, violence, chaos, and doom. We despair as our civil liberties to pray or to speak the name of Christ are being removed for fear that we might offend another while we are to listen with open ears to other religions in the name of religious freedom. All of this creating greater divide from the core truth of our faith which is proclaiming the name of Christ with love, honor, and kindness. We must remain fearless and uncompromising in standing firm to the truth that Jesus is the only way; while at the same time doing so with gentle compassion and true humility. How?
Beyond the turmoil that surrounds us, there are the battles we find ourselves in within our own hearts. We are bombarded by sorrows, pains, and disappointments in this fallen world. We become discouraged with our own attempts at being the Christians we should be. We were not taken out of this world at the point of salvation. We face illness, loss, financial ruin, heartbreak, and pain in our lives—our faith does not separate us from the truth of life within a fallen world. Where do we find the faith to be bold in the middle of so many trials? How can I proclaim that deep within me is a fountain of steadfast joy bubbling up to wash over the darkest sorrows?
This week I have been outlining these three fundamental essential truths by which we may find the strength to stand firm with a faith that is fearless, hope that is eternal, and a steadfast joy that overcomes our greatest trials of this life. The three truths we must cling tight to are:
1. Knowing Who God Is—If I know that God is Sovereign, He is in control and that He works all things together for my good; then I will not worry no matter how strong the winds become. I will rest upon the strength of His power to anchor me firm through the trial; trusting that His plan is best.
2. Knowing the purpose for which I was created. If I fully understand that I was created for an intimate relationship with God in which He desires to fill me with His Love, His Joy and His Glory; then, I will gladly endure whatever it takes to prepare me to be a receptacle that can receive His gifts.
Those two we have explored in greater detail in the previous two posts. Now we come to the 3rd key fundamental truth.
3. Knowing my identity in Christ. With Great detail Paul in His letter to the Ephesians spent the first 3 ½ chapters detailing the identity that is ours in Christ. Indeed, in the past I have done a series about this and am finishing a book concerning the same important truth that in Christ we have everything we need. When we fully embrace the truth of who we are in Christ, we can live our lives fully Alive with Joy, Hope, Faith and an excited expectation even in the midst of hurricane force winds of trials. I have found through a lifetime of trials, that this is the core truths that can transform your life!! That is why I urge you to discover this so you might have joy and hope in a complex world. So, given the depth of this information; I realize I cannot do it full justice in a brief discussion today. But let me at least awaken your thirst to know more. Paul wrote that this was his prayer for the people of Ephesus and this is my prayer for each of you my dear readers and friends,
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Ephesians 1:17-23
So, what are these riches which we have in Christ? In Christ, I am God’s redeemed Saint, chosen- beloved child, heir of the kingdom, captured by His love, humble servant of Majesty, and empowered warrior of truth. When I recognize that in Christ, I have all these great riches already as mine; why would I ever despair? Abiding in His love, He is the power that flows through my spiritual heart to restore it and to bring forth fruit. So, my dear friends; read His word that you may begin to comprehend all that you have. Take the time to sit quietly with Him in prayer. Trust Him for all that you need. [tweetthis]Even when you don’t understand, You can trust God’s Heart.[/tweetthis]
The song I chose for you today is; The Same Power
photo: Copyright: <a href=’http://www.123rf.com/profile_balazschristina’>balazschristina / 123RF Stock Photo</a>
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.