Living Victoriously



"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."

{Romans 8:37}

 

We live in a sinful, fallen world.  Therefore, pain, spiritual warfare, heartache, and disappointments are present.  Life is not easy...we have all been there when the going is rough.  Whatever you are facing, I would like to encourage you, sister-in-Christ, that He will never leave you nor forsake you!  (Deut. 31:6)  As believers, we can live victoriously through Jesus!

 

 "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." 

{1 John 5:4}

 

If we put our complete trust in Jesus, He will not fail us.  I have experienced this in my own life.  No matter how "dark" it gets, He has never let me down...He has always been there.  The trials still come, but with Him, I can live in victory. 

 

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." 

{John 16:33}

 

Satan knows our power is in the Lord Jesus Christ, so he often tries to get us to walk in our own power, which causes us to fail.  It is easy to try to find strength in ourselves, taking our eyes off Jesus.  We cannot overcome on our own!  Our strength only comes from above!  I encourage you to stand firm...don't listen to the lies of Satan.  When the hard times come, trust Him and He will see you through. 

 

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints..."

{Ephesians 6:11-18}

 

Stand firm, keep the faith, and continue to trust Him!

 

Blessings,



Prayer-Engaging in the Battle

 

The Lord has been revealing to me the power of prayer.  A few weeks ago, I read, "This Present Darkness" by Frank Peretti.  I highly recommend it, though be forewarned...it is not for the faint at heart!  After the first three chapters, my prayer life was changed.  Sometimes, we need a "visual" image to help us understand.  Actually "seeing" the spiritual warfare and the impact of prayer makes you want to engage in the battle.  Prayer is not easy and Satan wants to distract us from using our source of strength.

 

   “Depend upon it, if you are bent on prayer, the devil will not leave you alone. He will molest you, tantalize you, block you, and will surely find some hindrances, big or little or both. And we sometimes fail because we are ignorant of his devices…I do not think he minds our praying about things if we leave it at that. What he minds, and opposes steadily, is the prayer that prays on until it is prayed through, assured of the answer.” Mary Warburton Booth

 

In a battle, you do not fire only one shot and then think you have done your part.  You are constantly penetrating the enemy, fighting for the good.  Prayer is so much more that just a little saying...it is talking to our Father, Creator, Sustainer, Healer, Almighty God.  I have been guilty, in my prayer life, of just getting it done and checking it off the list.  When that happens, I am missing out on communing with my Savior and interceding on behalf of my family in Christ.

 

" Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints..." (Ephesians 6:18)

 

"Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees."

Corrie ten Boom

 

I encourage you to talk to the Lord, during your quiet time, but also throughout the day.  Bring the little problems to Him and grow in your fellowship.  He is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother.  Also, use your time of prayer to praise Him!  If you are a child of the King, we have so much to be thankful for!   

 

I have definitely not arrived, in this area, and it is a daily struggle, but I purpose to strive to engage in the battle!  I encourage you to pray...it is our strength!
 

 "...[the] power of prayer can never be overrated. They who cannot serve God by preaching need not regret. If a man can but pray he can do anything. He who knows how to overcome with God in prayer has Heaven and earth at his disposal." Charles H. Spurgeon

 

Remaining in Him,