I've been listening to Joyce Meyer's "Armed and Dangerous" series on my way to work. These messages are just as power-packed as all of her messages. Something particular stuck out to me that I've never noticed before. Meyer points out that when Jesus prayed for his disciples, He never addressed a certain problem, or trial, or "family situation" that each of the men might have been struggling with at the time. Rather, He prayed for their strength, their faith, their futures.
In other words, He didn't pray that their problems would just go away. He prayed for them to have what they needed to walk through them. This is evidenced by the passage found in John 16:33, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” So, He encouraged his brethren by letting them know the battle is already won!
I know I often get bogged down in the details, trying to figure this out, or trying to understand why, or why not for that matter. This realization gave me such peace inside just knowing that no matter what, the work has already been done even before I was born. Nothing is too hard, nothing is a surprise or disconcerting, nothing is too big for the God of ALL creation!
Taking this to another level, apply this concept to those "besetting sins" described by the Apostle Paul. You know, those things we just can't seem to overcome. Jealousy, gossiping, backbiting, addictions, lusts of the flesh, etc. Genesis 4:7 explains that if we do what is right, we will be accepted by God. However, "if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” I often pray the words of David, "Direct my footsteps according to your word, let no sin rule over me."
So, if we will do our very best to walk according to the Scripture, we are doing our part and we can be encouraged that Jesus has already done His!
I leave you with the words of of the dying Savior hanging on the cross, "It is Finished!"
In other words, He didn't pray that their problems would just go away. He prayed for them to have what they needed to walk through them. This is evidenced by the passage found in John 16:33, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” So, He encouraged his brethren by letting them know the battle is already won!
I know I often get bogged down in the details, trying to figure this out, or trying to understand why, or why not for that matter. This realization gave me such peace inside just knowing that no matter what, the work has already been done even before I was born. Nothing is too hard, nothing is a surprise or disconcerting, nothing is too big for the God of ALL creation!
Taking this to another level, apply this concept to those "besetting sins" described by the Apostle Paul. You know, those things we just can't seem to overcome. Jealousy, gossiping, backbiting, addictions, lusts of the flesh, etc. Genesis 4:7 explains that if we do what is right, we will be accepted by God. However, "if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” I often pray the words of David, "Direct my footsteps according to your word, let no sin rule over me."
So, if we will do our very best to walk according to the Scripture, we are doing our part and we can be encouraged that Jesus has already done His!
I leave you with the words of of the dying Savior hanging on the cross, "It is Finished!"
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