Nov 06 2009
Encourage Yourself!
When we’re in a hard place, what are we to do? Scripture says we are to encourage ourselves in the Lord! What does that mean?
It means we think back to the ways God has come through for us in the past and take great comfort. The Old Testament saints were told to write those things on the tablets of their hearts and on their foreheads, so they would never forget what God had done.
You and I are going to need to press in to God as never before, before this thing is over. And yet God knows this, and He says He is there for us. He says He is our hiding place, our high tower, our deliverer, our peace, our hope, our bread and water, the sustainer of our lives, and the lifter of our heads. He has given us all that pertains to life and godliness. He said we will do even greater things than Jesus did if we stay attached to the Vine and move in the spirit.
We must remind ourselves of how God looks at us. Rather than getting into self-pity or fear that only give an opportunity for the devil to torment us, we must choose to be strong in the Lord, and as soon as we take action in faith rather than fear, God will move on our behalf.
God says we are His beloved, His treasures. It says He delights to give us the desires of our hearts and He wants to flow through us to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. He wants us to be empowered by His Holy Spirit to move in the spirit, doing mighty works of the Lord.
You and I have already won the battle, if only we can grasp this concept and refuse to let our imaginations run away with us. If the battle is already won, it’s up to us to choose to believe God rather than to faint, standing in power. For God has said, “I have not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.”
Scripture goes on to say, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. I am more than a conqueror through Christ who loves me.”
The promises are endless, but it’s up to us to apply them to our own lives, and believe God instead of doubting.
I dare you!
Because of His great love,
Nancy
