The Battle Is Not Yours, But God's. Pt.1

IS THIS NOT A PROFOUND underestimated statement? “It is all about God not me.” AS the Spirit has been leading and teaching me, I am realizing that in the battles we face – God just wants us to turn to and trust Him - nothing more and nothing less.  AND as we accept “it is all about God not us,” we are changed.  Changed into someone greater then we could ever imagine.

Turning and trusting God is like being a sponge that soaks up the goodness of God.  

In the book of Romans we read, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us- they help us learn to endure.  And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation.  And this expectation will not disappoint us.  For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”  Romans 5:3-5
 
Some might think the Apostle Paul was out of his mind when he wrote these words but look carefully at what he is saying here.  He is saying the product of knowing GOD’S LOVE (no matter certainty or uncertainty in life) results in learning to endure, develop strength in character, strengthening our confident expectation that God will save us from the problems and trials we face.  We will overcome the problems and trails, they won't overcome us.  We overcome not because we depend on ourselves in any capacity but we are trusting and reliant on God to bring us through the storms of life.

"To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.  I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.  No one who trusts in the you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.  Show me the path where I should walk, O LORD; point out the right road for me to follow.  Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me.  All day long I put my hope in you." Psalm 25:1-5 

Another important fact Paul states is “knowing God’s love” isn’t just some kind of head knowledge but “this knowing God’s love” has come with battlefield experience.  He doesn’t just know it in his mind but GOD'S LOVE fills his heart.  He intimately knows GOD’S LOVE because through the trails and struggles he has faced, God has shown himself to be faithful beyond anything we might possibly imagine or comprehend.

Paul later writes, “No, despite all things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loves us.  And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love.  Death can’t and life can’t.  The angels can’t, and the demons can’t.  Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away.  Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:37-39

How true this is: I have had friends and family who have died from cancer but they did not pass from this life into the next in fear but through their experience they had come to know God’s love more intimately and they lived their last days in peace and beautiful grace.

How true this is: How we have known people who have gone through great testings and siftings and their boat did not sink, their feet did not slip, the shifting sands did not bother them because they were firmly planted on the ROCK of the ONE who SAVES them.

How true this is: How many times have I had fears of the day or worries about tomorrow (I dreaded, I doubted, I had anxiety and it was all for not) because God had already made provision for me.  He planned my day.  (Yes though we stumble, we will not fall, for the LORD holds us his hand.) Psalm 37:24

How true this is: When we feel the presence of evil we can call out to Jesus and evil flees. We can stand and endure against it because we put our trust and hope in God.

God takes great care for us.

Jesus said, “And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won’t he more surely care for you?  You have so little faith!  So don’t worry about having enough food or drink or clothing.   Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things?  Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” Matthew 6:30-33

Yes....IT is All About HIM, and HIS LOVE FOR US - not Us.