We now live for Christ, not for ourselves, and this is where true humility is found.
The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. Psalm 19:7-11
The Holy Spirit works in wonderful ways! In times of trouble, He leads us to God's Word and gives us the right answers, at the right time, for the right person. In the current world we are living in, where a virus has infected the hearts of many with fear and a vaccine is rolled out on the streets mimicking a saviour, many have put their hope and faith in medicine and science. Many have put their trust in what the people in white coats say, instead of the One Who truly saves.
As a young woman, I have choices to make and some of these choices involve risking my life and the life of others. I have big decisions to make that involve my eternity, what I stand on, the ways I have been brought up in, my faith and beliefs, my identity, and ultimately I have to choose between life and death.
Recently, my mind has been in a tizz. My faith constantly seems challenged. The fear that comes with death is real and I can only seem to search for something to ease that fear and give me peace. Covid-19 is a perfect example of what fear can do to the world. It has led millions to retreat to their homes, economies to shut down, governments to lay restrictions on the people, families to face sudden death, and many have decided to just end their lives because it all seems too much. The people are left with a decision to make on where their hope will come from. Will it be in a vaccine? Will it be in the government? Will it be in what others are saying? Will it be in God? With the fear of death nipping at the heels of millions, could there possibly be a way out? Could there possibly be peace where only fear exists? Could there possibly be a Saviour?
I have faced all these questions since Covid-19 began. I have faced the fear it brought, the restrictions it added, and the worry of getting sick, dying, or losing a loved one... all of it. But only one lifeline seems to remain: God. One thing I have and choose to believe in is a Saviour Who died for the world so that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life. My eyes have been opened to see the Truth. All at once the fear of death suddenly disappears, the hope of being saved suddenly returns, the weight of the world suddenly disappears, and the path of real Life - as narrow as it seems - is laid out right before me. All I need to do is follow Him.
This is what Isaiah 30 says:
“What sorrow awaits my rebellious children,” says the Lord. “You make plans that are contrary to mine. You make alliances not directed by my Spirit, thus piling up your sins. For without consulting me, you have gone down to Egypt for help. You have put your trust in Pharaoh’s protection. You have tried to hide in his shade. But by trusting Pharaoh, you will be humiliated, and by depending on him, you will be disgraced. For though his power extends to Zoan and his officials have arrived in Hanes, all who trust in him will be ashamed. He will not help you. Instead, he will disgrace you.”
Putting trust in what people say, what the world says, what seems to be the truth, is not the truth if it isn't the Word of God. The Word of God is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and it is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The opinions and decisions of man changes like someone changing clothes, but the Word of God is alive and powerful and exposes the Truth like someone standing naked, unable to hide anything.
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable. Hebrews 4:12-13
Choosing to follow God is one thing, but letting go of your life to follow God is another thing. What God says should ultimately be what we say, for we know that it is not by our opinions and thoughts that we find life, but it is through wisdom and God's Word revealed through the Holy Spirit that is life.
When God says, "Trust Me and lean not on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5), do we still look to ourselves and others for understanding?
When God says, "I will rescue those who love Me. I will protect those who trust in My Name. When they call on Me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honour them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation", do we still look to medicine and governments to preserve our lives?
I love what Paul says in Philippians 1:22:
For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.
We now live for Christ, not for ourselves, and this is where true humility is found.
There is wisdom that is a gift from God that reveals the Truth from the lies and guides the righteous along the right paths. Wisdom is given freely to those who ask God for it and the Holy Spirit will reveal things to you that He knows is right and just and true. By wisdom God founded the earth and by understanding He created the heavens, and by His knowledge the foundations of the earth burst forth (Proverbs 3:19). Solomon continues to write that we should hold tightly to common sense and discernment, for they will refresh our souls and are like jewels on a necklace, leading us in safety and keeping our feet from stumbling. There is such joy for those who find wisdom and gain understanding! She offers long life in her right hand, and riches and honour in her left.
In times such as these, we need to seek wisdom! Jesus says:
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16
Deception is as sly as a fox, it starts with a thought and if not brought to the Word of God it can take root and lead you astray. Wisdom reveals the Truth! And it is by seeking Wisdom that we may live in peace, untroubled by harm (Proverbs 1:33).
Where does wisdom start you may ask? It starts with fear of the Lord. Fear of the Lord stems from humility and reverence unto God and this is where long life is found. Fear of the Lord calls for a blessing on the one who does, where knowledge, wisdom, and a strong confidence keep them in peace.
Humility is the fear of the Lord, its wages are riches and honour and life. Proverbs 22:4 NIV
So friend, I write this today with the assurance that God is real and that by faith you will be saved! We need to live by God's Word only and not half-heartedly obeying parts of His Word. We need to realise that nothing is new under the sun, and nothing is a surprise to God, and that gives us all the more reason to seek God and His righteousness above all else. No matter what trials or persecution may come for standing up for Jesus and finished Work, let it be reason to share this Good News! Be alert and watchful, walking in wisdom and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your footsteps.
Exciting times are ahead and as we continue to look to Jesus and await His return, let us shine His light, walking wholeheartedly for the One Who was and is and always will be - the Almighty God.
If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! Psalm 91:9-13
Selah!
Father God, we come to You in the precious Name of Jesus. Praise be to You alone, Yahweh, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Thank You for saving us from our sins and for placing Your Spirit upon us, leading us in wisdom and keeping us from harm. We repent for our unfaithfulness, for trusting in human wisdom, science, and education, instead of seeking You wholeheartedly. Lord, please wake up the church and lead Your bride in common sense, knowledge, discernment, and Your Word as we become aware of the times we are living in. I love You Lord and desire to follow You for all the days of my life. Thank You so much Father for Your peace and Word today. Soli deo Gloria! In Jesus' Name, Amen.
What a spirit filled message thank you Amber ♥️