Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.Ephesians 6:13 MSG
How is it that you are always happy and positive?
How do you make your decisions in life?
How are you strong during tough times?
What do you do when life knocks you down?
These are questions I have been asked at different times. My answer, in a nutshell, is Jesus, and staying in God’s word.
Now, I may reverse those questions and ask:
- Do I EVER get down? Ummmm…YES! But God. God has a way of reminding me that I can get glad in the same pants I got sad or mad in. Life is short. Choose joy. I take it all to Him in prayer. It’s a good thing that Christ is faithful and available 24/7. Sometimes I feel like I talk to Him all day long. He has a way of changing my “down” perspective to an “upward” gaze to Him.
- Have I made any decisions that I regret? Ummmm…YES! If I were to look back and ponder on each choice I made in life, I would probably find a common thread to those bad decisions…SELF. But God. God shows me that when I choose to do things my way, instead of His way, there may be temporary “happiness”, but not everlasting “joy” that He can deliver. Sometimes, there’s not any happiness in a decision, just a decision needed to be made. I most likely either didn’t pray about it, or even if I did I only looked for answers that would benefit me. Those decisions cost…time, money, self-worth, relationships, etc. It’s best to do like Daniel and when a situation arises, take it straight to God and listen to Him and watch for His ways.
- Am I always strong during tough times? Ummmm…NO! But God. I am reminded in scripture that when I am weak, I am strong. Yes, I am glad to have weaknesses if they are for Christ. I am glad to be insulted and have hard times. I am glad when I am persecuted and have problems, because it is when I am weak that I am really strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 ERV. Getting in His word helps me tremendously! Not only does the Bible encourage me, gives me knowledge, teaches me, but keeps my focus on Him.
- What do I do when life knocks me down? Sometimes situations knock me down, sometimes it’s people’s words, and sometimes it is due to my own lack of confidence or whatever characteristic I may be feeling I’m lacking at that moment. When I feel knocked down, that’s the best time to LOOK UP. I dive into the word, I pray like the dickens for the situation, person, self attitude, etc.. I pray for God to help me stand strong. And you know what? Just like Ephesians 6:13 says about when I put on God’s armor, I “WILL be able to stand strong.” I trust in the Lord. I stand in His truth. I am confident that He will protect me. I remain in His word. And I pray until I have no words, then He still sees and hears my heart. When you get knocked down, look up and get up.
That is why you need to get God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil, you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing. So stand strong with the belt of truth tied around your waist, and on your chest wear the protection of right living. On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong. And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows that come from the Evil One. Accept God’s salvation as your helmet. And take the sword of the Spirit—that sword is the teaching of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up. Always pray for all of God’s people. Ephesians 6:13-18 ERV
I pray that the answers to the above questions encourage you to have a godly perspective, remain in prayer (conversation) with God, and get into the Holy Bible.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
Ponder:
Ask yourself the above questions and evaluate how you responded. If you need to make a change so that you bring glory to God, do it. It will be the best choice you’ve made today.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You that You give me Your armor to wear daily. Being a child of God definitely has great benefits. When I am weak or feel defeated, You remind me that Your power, strength, peace, and love are available and within me. Pick my head up and let me feel Your eyes upon me, encouraging me with every step and breath I take. I love You, Lord. Amen.
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