As Christians we are not immune to problems and challenges (John 16:33) but in John 16:33, Jesus said that we should not worry as he had overcome the world. The things that come against us are situations, circumstances and the hostile opposition of people.

It is important to know that people are not our problem, the warfare we face is a spiritual one: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph 6:12; KJV).

Our problems come from satan he comes:  “to steal and to kill and to destroy” (John 10:10). He may try to use people to do this. You must know that satan is a defeated foe; Jesus wrought victory over satan through his death and resurrection. (Col 2:15; 1Cor 15:57). We share in that victory as children of God (1 John 3:1).

Luke tells us that we have power (authority) over all the works of the enemy (satan; Luke 10:19). Satan tries to intimidate us but he has no power or authority (1 Peter 5:8).

 However, we need to assert our victory (James 4:7). God has given us spiritual armor to do this (Eph 6:13-17) and the armor of Ephesians comes down largely to faith in God’s word and knowing our authority. God’s word has the answer to every issue of life. We resist satan by believing and speaking the word that is relevant to the challenge we face, in Jesus name (Mark 11:22-24). For example, if we face sickness, we speak God’s word that says we are healed (Eg:1 Peter 2:24).

We can walk in the authority of Jesus over all the works of darkness (Matt 28:18-20); believe it, use it, walk in victory today.   

 “Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness” (Luke 3:2-3; KJV). John the Baptist lived in the desert until he was physically and spiritually mature (Luke 1:8) and only then did he start his ministry.

God has times and seasons for all of our lives (Eccl 3:1; Acts 1:7). He has a plan for all of our lives (Jer 29:11). We need to spend time with God to know his plan and discern the seasons he has for us.

We need to guard against trying to help God out by having our own timelines and ideas as to how things should be done. Abraham and Sarah got impatient waiting for a son and decided to get a son by Hagar, Sarah’s maid. This only created trouble and anxiety for them but God’s miracle planning gave them the son of his choice and allowed God to establish the lineage for our saviour, Jesus (Gen 16 and 21).

Jesus was in ministry for just 3 years, starting when he was about 30 (Luke 3:23). Paul was a highly trained Jewish Pharisee and persecuted the church of Jesus until God’s season for him (Acts 9). Paul’s entry into ministry was dramatic as he met with Jesus on the road to Damascus.

Would anyone question the impact of Jesus and Paul? It seems almost inconceivable to us that either of these two men above could or would have tried to do things by their own calendar.

We are not all called to full time ministry but we are all minsters of the gospel and God has plans for all of our lives. We need to be sure we hear from God and don’t run ahead, lag behind or get distracted. Flowing in God’s plan, timing and seasons brings peace and fulfillment. We need to hear from God and walk in trust and patience.

Please watch the promotional video for our book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”, which you can find at our web site: www.onthewayinlove.com 

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How often do we just sit back and contemplate God’s love for us? Do we ever even start to grasp the length and depth and breadth of it (Eph 3:18)? Paul said it passes Knowledge. (Eph 3:19).

God’s love is an unconditional love (Greek Agapao), a love that does not depend on any attribute you possess or anything you do. It is based solely on his grace and mercy to you. Our love is so often a love based on something attractive we see in another (Greek Phileo) but we are commanded to love with the God kind of love (John 13:34).

When we put God’s love into action in our lives it requires faith on our part; sometimes we are called to love what we see as unlovable.  The word says God’s love is placed in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5); the Holy Spirit enables us to love (Gal 5:22).

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16; KJV). Meditate on that for a while; make it personal. God gave his one and only son for you that your sins could be forgiven and you could have eternal life. You are his child (John 1:12), his work of art (Eph 2:10), you are precious in his sight. Nothing will ever separate you from his love (Rom 8:35).

Next time you are feeling low, dejected and rejected, remember Christ is in you and you are in him (John15:5) and his love is in and surrounds you wherever you go, whatever you do. Look to share God’s today.

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Please watch the promotional video for our book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”, which you can find at our web site: www.onthewayinlove.com