This week, a brief conversation with a stranger that began with an inquiry for change inspired this very post. After giving him the change, this conversation subsequently shifted to about God from me singing a praise song. “You are perfect in all of Your ways. You are perfect in all of Your ways, to us. You’re a good, good Father. It’s who You are. It’s who You are. It’s who You are, and I’m loved by You. It’s who I am, It’s who I am. It’s who I am.”

The stranger asked me about what I was singing. “I was praising God,” I said.

“You love God?” the stranger asked.

I told him yes.

Are You Being Consumed By The World Around You?

He replied that he too loved God and used to read the bible, but that he didn’t have time anymore to read the Bible. He basically said he didn’t have time anymore to read the Word because the world had consumed him. In fact, it did look like he was being consumed, but there are many of us being consumed and by different things. I remembered that God warned me not to let the world around me consume me.

Are you being consumed by the world around you? For some it may be drugs. Some it may be seemingly less harmful than that but still hindering our quality of life and relationships. For me it is distractions and busyness. What is consuming you?

Moreover, I told him that the reason he gave for not reading God’s Word and this particular time [we are living in] is all the more reason to press in to reading the Word of God. I also shared that he should still read it no matter if he feels like he didn’t deserve God [God’s love] or not. The fact is Jesus died for us all and He loves us unconditionally.

And remember that yourself.

But God!

We all have fallen short this week, and last week, and the week before last. Trying to get the help my mom needs after being injured had left both of us, mom and me, frustrated and me short of patience. I know I failed quite a few tests this week with two C’s (cussing and complaining). Maybe you too have regrets about how you handled some things this week? Maybe you had a much more difficult test to pass? Maybe you have been feeling unloved or unworthy for awhile because of life circumstances, others, or childhood incidents? And our enemy, the devil, sometimes sends these circumstances and experiences as attacks on our self esteem and souls to hinder us from seeing ourselves the way God does and from moving in our purpose. After all, how can you fulfill what God has called you to do if you do not walk in His authority and identity?

Maybe a lot has been going on with your family, like with my family? You have been pressing in prayer and reading God’s word but feel flabbergasted as to why things are not going right and one bad thing after the other is happening to you all. Maybe your dreams are not coming to fruition? Maybe you had to let that dream die to surrender it all to Him and have been getting tired of waiting. Yet, you are watching everyone enjoy their successes. Maybe you are in over your head in debt and are worried you will not be able to pay your bills and debts? Be encouraged though and do not feel defeated. In life there will be trials and tribulations. But God!

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV

Maybe you have been sick and expecting God to restore your health? Maybe you are struggling to let go of a sin, a habit, or a relationship, etc. and are in desperate need of God’s grace and deliverance? Maybe you are experiencing depression, stress or overwhelming fear but you know God did not give you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Maybe your marriage or children are in trouble? You have been praying for help to endure and for you to surrender them in God’s hands but still no change. Do not feel defeated. Trust God.

Maybe you are young and have had an awful start in life? Maybe they said you will never be anything? But you know deep down there is more to you and your life than they can see, even you can see?

Feat of the Defeated

Don’t let the devil make you feel defeated, unloved or even a lost cause. That is his portion, not yours.
Pray some more. Pray in faith and pray God’s Word and strategies. Believe that He can and let no circumstances move you to the realm of doubt. Take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ Jesus. Fight and fight the good fight of faith. Release every area of your life to the Lord and get God’s perspective, value, and instructions in every area. Go after the Lord and allow Him to feel your heart with substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen.

God’s children are not defeated. Jesus won the war for us, and every battle within the war is already provided for and Jesus will also win those. Step out of the way, trust God, and remember You are already on the winning team!

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, ² in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. Ephesians 2:1-2

We are now new creations in Christ, those who believe and have received the salvation of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. When the devil tries to bring up our past and forecast our future, let us remind him that he has already been defeated and he has no other chance, destination, or opportunity but down. He wants you to feel defeated and take on the position of a defeated being. But you can not believe his lies or try on his deception.

The feat of the defeated is surrender, surrendering every area of our lives to God. It is also responding to as well as accepting the unfailing and unconditional love of God. Be of good cheer and remember that you are not defeated. Even during the storms and rustling winds can you survive with Jesus by your side, the engulfing of His presence, and within the perimeters of His grace.