I love reading and studying the life of the Apostle Paul. Like most of us he lived a pattern of hearing from God, adding his own reasoning, partially obeying, and then getting himself into more messes than he could’ve imagined. With that came frustration, aggravation, and at times even physical pain. And yet, the moment Paul stepped in line with what God called him to do, he began to walk in a “ brand-new level of victory and success.” (p. 170). Oh, if only we could learn to obey fully the first time!
The victory and success didn’t come without problems. The devil didn’t leave him alone and he won’t leave us alone either. What God said to Paul is for us too!
Don’t be afraid, speak
I am with you
No one will attack you and hurt you
I have many people around you
In spite of all that was coming against him, Paul consistently experienced divine favor, provision, and protection, even in the midst of bad situations. This divine favor on his life allowed him to produce supernatural fruit for the Kingdom of God.
5 For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
he will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
6 Then I will hold my head high
above my enemies who surround me.
At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,
singing and praising the Lord with music.Psalm 27:5-6 (NLT)
When I worked in the corporate world, I loved getting a new project, or new department, or a hard case, that seemed to by unsolvable. I would look at each project as a new opportunity. I would dive in, learn all I could, and work really hard to see the project through to success. We need to approach our walk with God the same way. Every crisis is a new opportunity to use our faith, dig in His Word, trust our God, and to show forth His glory and mercy on this Earth.
Change the way you view the situation, change the way you talk! Ask God to help you line up your mouth with His Word and your perspective to line up with His! You were born for such a time as this. Dig in and refuse to budge. If you need more faith, get in the Word! Up the dosage!
“Even in the face of apparent defeat, God can take you places that you never imagined you could go and connect you with people He has divinely ordained for you to meet to fulfill His purposes for your life.” -p. 98
Start by thanking God that He is your shield, your hiding place, your strong tower, and your mountain! You are an overcomer, more than a conqueror, and a child of the King. No weapon formed against you will prosper. Together we will sing, “The Lord is good, and His mercy endures forever!”