God's Word Is True . . . We Just Need to Read it and Believe it!

This morning I want to give YouVersion.com a shout out! I am to-do list girl; I love to accomplish things in an organized way, and YouVersion.com has given me a great way to stay on track with my Bible reading. If you haven't been able to get into a plan and stick with it, try this website, and let them help you move forward. I personally like the One-Year Bible Plan because it allows me to read Old and New Testaments at the same time. It also keeps track of my reading for me, so I have one less thing to remember! And I need one less thing to remember . . . I'm just sayin'. So why do I mention this today? Well, as I was reading this morning, this passage was laid before me: "A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." I've read and heard this passage hundreds of times, but today, God gave me a fresh word: Jean, you have everything you need to withstand Satan and the darts he is throwing into your life. You just have to use the weapons you have been given. Wow. It is so easy to get lost in our problems and forget that God has already provided a way to stand strong in the midst of trials and disasters that look impossible. He has already given us a clear set of directions for how to live tenaciously and victoriously; we just have to do what He says! I heard a sermon by Clay Nesmith at Barefoot Church a while back, and he used this illustration. A man bought an electric chain saw because his friends told him how much easier it would be to cut his trees with this saw than with a manual one. The man bought the saw and began to use it. After some frustrated attempts, he returned to the store, telling the clerk, "I just don't get it. This saw is no easier than the one I already had, and I am wearing myself out trying to cut my trees." Well, the clerk looked at the saw, checked for signs of malfunction, and then cranked it. The customer was shocked, and said, "I didn't know you had to pull that cord. No wonder I had no power!" Sounds like some of us, doesn't it? We have the power of God living within us, and we have the armor of God available to us, but we never "pull the cord" to access the full power that is within our grasp. Today, read this scripture over and over if necessary, and ask God to help you put on His armor so that you may live a tenacious life, not giving in to Satan's attacks of discouragement and depression. We serve a mighty God, and He will uphold us with His hand if we just pull the cord and unleash His power in our lives. Be tenacious in Christ, Jean