Beyond Ourselves

It all starts with God. He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He is almighty, holy, majestic and all powerful. He is the creator and sustainer of all things. Through His Son, Jesus Christ, He has provided us with everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3) and has already prepared a place for us for us in Heaven (John 14:3). We are secure in Him and His provision, and in Him lies our destiny. He shows us the way, not so we might follow Him, but that we might be in Him, as He is in us. And His Spirit within us gives us direct access to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).

How often do we try to step out on our own, to do it our way and battle with the world, the flesh and the enemy by ourselves? The Bible tells us we’re not fighting against flesh and blood, but powers of this dark world and spiritual forces in high places (Ephesians 6:12). Yet we have all the power of Heaven at our disposal in Jesus Christ, who became man to do battle for us. He took all that the enemy directed at Him and died in our place. Now we can live in His victory, not looking to ourselves but to Him, and stand on the ground He has won for us.

Our sword is the Word of God and our shield is our faith in Him (Ephesians 6:16-17). Let’s walk boldly forward, proclaiming the Lordship of Jesus, and see the fiery darts of the enemy diffused. What are the troubles of this life compared to the joy that lies before us; the destiny which has already been prepared for us? (1 Corinthians 2:9). The power of God within us - the same power that raised Christ from the dead - is greater than anything the world can throw at us (1 John 4:4). ‘We are more than conquerors through him who loved us’ (Romans 8:37). The secret is not so much to know the enemy who is deceitful in all things, but to know the One who gave His life for us so that we would be free, Jesus our Saviour and Redeemer.

We need to stand firm in the knowledge of the truth, the truth which is our freedom, our strength and our life. Jesus Himself said, ‘I am the Truth’ (John 14:6). Let’s look to Him in all circumstances, with our head held high, confident in the love and power of God our maker, the One who cares about every aspect of our lives. And let us give Him thanks and praise, because He will never let us go.

‘Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be joyful in God my Saviour. The Sovereign Lord is my strength’ (Habakkuk 3:17-19).

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your presence in my life and for the strength and confidence You give me when things are difficult. Help me to lean on You more; to trust You and to know more fully the depth of Your love. Please forgive me for not fully appreciating how much You care for me. I give myself to You afresh this day and walk in the strength of Your love and peace, in Jesus’ name. Amen.