Fully Equipped
I took a drive this morning as I do most mornings to listen to quality Christian radio, to reflect and to pray. My car is my morning prayer “closet”. Now that we’re in the midst of social distancing because of the worldwide corona-virus pandemic, there are many things I can’t do. But my morning ritual hasn’t changed at all.
This morning I prayed for God’s leading as I contemplate what I should write for my next blog. I pray about this every time I write. I want to be directed by God. I want His anointing when I write. Often when I ask for guidance I feel slightly anxious, as in, I really better get this right. I so badly want to hear God’s voice, not my own.
This morning, as I prayed, a beautiful calmness came over me as God reminded me of several passages of scripture; “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” (2 Peter 1:3,4)
Also, may God ”equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ”. (Hebrews 13:21) “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)
Who is Peter referring to when he writes, “us”? Who were the writers of Hebrews and Philippians writing about when they used the word, “you”? Peter wrote primarily to the churches throughout Asia Minor. The writer of Hebrews wrote to Jewish Christians and Paul wrote to the churches in the European colony of Philippi. But it is agreed among Biblical scholars that all three books are for the church as a whole. The “church”, meaning those that have received Jesus Christ as God’s intended Savior; as God’s plan of redemption. “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
You are counted in that number if you, too, have accepted Christ. It’s one thing to believe in “the” Savior. It’s a whole different ballgame when you ask Him to be “your” Savior.
For me, this morning, these verses encouraged me to proceed with confidence to do the work God has called me to do. And I want to encourage you, too, if you have surrendered to Him, to step forward in the same confidence.
God has granted to His redeemed children “all things that pertain to life and godliness”. He will enable us to “become partakers of the divine nature”. He wants to “equip you with everything good that you may do His will”. “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”
Wow! Wow! WOW!
The enemy wants us to think we are useless; powerless; ineffective. The enemy hates for God’s children to know God’s Word. The enemy wants to keep us cowering in timidity and fear so that we are unable to effectively minister to those around us. And the enemy wins this battle all too frequently.
Don’t let the enemy of your soul win this battle in your life too!
Toward the end of my drive, God also reminded me of this verse; “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
I felt as if God wanted me to encourage my readers to step out of their routine so you can boldly and creatively find ways to minister to this fallen, hurting, fearful world we find ourselves in. Right at that moment, I heard the speaker on the radio quote that verse and challenge his listeners to do the exact same thing. Confirmation?
Pray about it. Ask Him to show you ways that you can do this. I believe with all my heart He already has this planned specifically for each one of us. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” ( Ephesians 2:10)
Spend time in God’s Presence. Dive deep into His Word. And pray. A lot. From that, let Him birth in you action that touches others for His Kingdom. Deeds that convey God’s amazing love and point people to Jesus. Let the fruit of the Spirit be evident in all you do: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Yesterday my husband spent hours chasing a friend’s cows through pastures and woods trying to get them back through the fence to their own field. Was that an act of love? You bet it was. What God may be guiding you to do during this unique time in our history might look very different than what he calls others to do. Let Him lead you. Consistently respond with love and kindness and you can’t go wrong.
What an adventure awaits all of us willing to get up, shake off our lethargy and move forward. For those of us that are willing to believe God can, in fact, use us in a powerful way!
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” (1 Peter 3:8)
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” ( 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” ( Galatians 6:10)
On my website, I have a page where my readers can write a response. I would love to hear from you during this time. What is God doing in you right now? And how is He using you? -Ava
