Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Have You Done All You Can Do?



I love this passage from Ephesians! So alive and active here.


“Standing” may sound passive but it’s not. We put on God’s armor, resist and brace ourselves to withstand the punches from the enemy. Gloriously, we are not expected or ever instructed to do this in our own power.


I don’t know how you feel about that but it’s a HUGE relief to me. I’ve realized over my life that I’m not nearly as strong as I would like to think. I’m so grateful for that revelation now. Knowing I can simply fall into the strong arms of Jesus and trust His strength, not mine.


We are called to be strong and immovable. But, how can we be strong and immovable when we just acknowledged we’re really not as strong as we first thought?


In Proverbs 10:25 we’re told that WHEN the storms of life come the wicked will be whirled away but the godly have a lasting foundation.


There’s our answer. We need to have a lasting foundation in order to stand firm against the fiery arrows of the enemy.


So when we’ve done all we can do in a situation in our life and it doesn’t turn out the way we planned, we really need a strong foundation to help us stand firm. Otherwise we’ll be swept away in the current of doubt and lies from the enemy.


How do we get that solid foundation? Connection.


Maybe that sounds a little simple but hear me out. When you feel like you’re drowning in a sea of troubles it can be a real struggle to pull out a fiber of truth if we’ve never planted any in the first place.


Stand firm by staying connected to the author of truth!


To be perfectly honest I can’t always remember where a verse is found or even the exact words when I’m treading to stay above water. But...I know the truth of God’s word and even if it’s one word I can grasp onto and cling to for dear life to stay afloat, it’s there. Planted through connection with my Heavenly Father.


Way to many times in my life I haven’t had eloquent words to pray in the middle of a situation. Sometimes the best we can squeak out in the moment is “Jesus help”. I’m so grateful that He hears that cry and knows the heart behind it without fancy words to explain it.


Let’s be real honest, it doesn’t always mean things are going to turn out like we’ve planned even as we stand firm. God is still there though - standing in the gap for us.


Our plans are fickle little beasts with short term vision. God’s plans are far reaching and see the whole picture. Not always easy to remember in the eye of the storm. We must be rooted deep!


This week as we move through life’s storms lets stand firm in God’s grace. The battle we fight is spiritual, personal and intense. It takes courage, determination and prayer but take heart...through Christ we are victorious. 

I encourage you to let the words from Laura Daigle's song O'Lord to lift you up and give you hope!

14 comments:

  1. The battle IS spiritual ~ such a good reminder for a battle I'm facing today, Laura. Thanks for the encouragement. #tellHisstory

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    1. I struggle to remember that the battle really is spiritual so writing to myself today for sure. Thanks so much for stopping by Kristi. I appreciate the encouragement.

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  2. I used to worry that I wasn't "Christian enough" because I struggle with remembering verses and where to find them etc, but now I know that those seeds that I plant in myself through study and prayer really are taking root and it surprises me and amazes me and God's grace is all I need!! Thank you for sharing this! Happy to know I am not alone in the memory department :P

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    1. Marisa, I honestly understand that feeling of not being "Christian enough" in way to many areas of walk with the Lord. I'm so grateful He meets me right where I'm at every day. So glad to know that you're receiving and feeling God's grace. Way to go God!! Grateful you stopped by and can relate.

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  3. Falling into the strong arms of Jesus, amen! Another friend recently introduced me to Lauren Daigle, her songs speak to my spirit. Thank you for sharing. Blessings on your week!

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    1. I haven't found a song of hers that doesn't speak to my spirit yet. Blessings to you as well June.

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  4. I absolutely love that God is standing in that gap for us! What a good Daddy he is! #livefreeThursday

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    1. Me too Crystal! He's such a good Daddy. Blessings to you this week.

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  5. Hi Laura!
    So great to get acquainted with you today as I visit as your neighbor at Suzanne Eller's linkup. Your reminder of the ongoing unseen battle and the gear and tools the Lord has given us is an excellent reminder. No matter how often I read the Ephesians passage, I always feel like I need it again! Blessings on your week!

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    1. Hi Pam, glad we're neighbors! I think many of us (me included) need this scripture daily. Blessings on your week as well.

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  6. "So when we’ve done all we can do in a situation in our life and it doesn’t turn out the way we planned, we really need a strong foundation to help us stand firm. Otherwise we’ll be swept away in the current of doubt and lies from the enemy." ~ Laura, thank you for sharing these rich and encouraging words. Life has a way of telling us we have to constantly be doing something if we are going to make a difference. I love how God does just the opposite and says, "rest in Him." Blessings to you and your writing ministry! Have a beautiful weekend.

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    1. Thank you so much for the encouragement. I struggle with "resting in Him" but He is faithful and never gives up on me. Blessings to you as well.

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  7. Laura, thank for your wise post and the song. All words we can cling to! #livefreeThursday

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