Secure part 1
We have a saying in the "church world" (or at least in my little circle of it). And it goes like this: It came to pass, not to stay. We say that because over and over in the Old Testament the Bible uses that phrase, "it came to pass." And the thought is that while we may have to go through things, things don't have to go through us. Because we are safe and secure in Daddy's loving embrace. My verse for today, and really for this entire Rant series, is Psalm 9:9, "The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble." I think this is an important truth for us to understand, because the bottom line is that life happens. To each and every one of us. Every single day. Being a "Christian" doesn't mean smooth sailing all the time. What it means is that we have been equipped and empowered with everything we need to WEATHER the storm. Or, believe it or not, to CALM the storm! I've kind of been working on an idea where when we understand that the Kingdom is a present reality, and we start to unlock, or manifest, the Kingdom in our lives--not by forcing it into existence, or taking the Kingdom by violence, but simply by believing that it's already here... it's in us, and it IS us--then what is really true (ALREADY true!) becomes true for us. I'm NOT saying you can believe any old thing and it'll become your reality. I'm saying there's what the world gives you, and there's what the Word of God says. And whichever one of THOSE you believe in... that's what will manifest in your life. Let me say it like this, in times of trouble, we have a refuge. And His name is Jesus. His name is love. It doesn't matter what the world throws at you, because greater is He that is within you than he that is in the world. Basically, the fire in you is always hotter than the fire you're in. So when "things happen," we don't have to freak out about them. We don't even really need to tell God how big our troubles are. What you magnify is what will manifest. So if you focus all of your time, and talent, and treasure (the three T's), if you focus all of your energy and attention, on your problems... then you're really empowering them. You're making mountains out of molehills, if I can use that old expression. And here's what it comes down to: You can try to "fix" your problems, but I've found that when you bang your head against the wall all you get is a headache. OR you can rest in the arms of the One who already finished the work. You don't have to overcome when you know (and believe) that Jesus already overcame. And watch this: When you truly understand just how finished the work is... you'll understand that there is NOTHING LEFT TO OVERCOME. You'll stop trying to conquer and you'll live out of your true identity as MORE than a conquerer in Him! Works don't work, but when you can rest things get easy. You don't have to do it yourself because Jesus already did it for you and as you. No matter how bad things LOOK... you're safe and secure in Daddy's arms.