Are You Living or Merely Existing?
I came across an interesting quote the other day that really made me think. It said, "The best way to prepare for life is to begin to live." How true! Unfortunately, far too many people cannot live life to its fullest because of their preoccupation with the stuff and things that make up the circumstances of life: challenges with finances, employment, relationships, emotions, and so much more. When we begin to feel this way, it is imperative that we remember who we are and whose we are. As children of God, we need to remember that it is His desire for us to prosper and be in health, even as our soul prospers (3 John 2.) We must also realize that prosperity is not simply a matter of finances. The prosperity that God is speaking of relates to every aspect of our lives. When we change our perspective so that we see things God's way rather than through our own eyes, it is then that we can begin to truly live the way God intended. It is not His will that we simply go through the motions of life and merely exist. God wants us to live!
The Word of God reminds us in John 10:10 that Jesus came that we might have life, and that life more abundantly. A closer look at that verse shows that there is a deliberate contrast between the Lord's purpose and the enemy's purpose. The A clause of that verse tells us that the thief (satan) only comes to kill, to steal and to destroy. What is he after? Well, I believe he wants to kill your spirit, steal your joy and destroy any ounce of hope that you might have. When trials in life come, he's only doing his job when you begin to entertain feelings of defeat and intimidation. There's no need to worry; he's only doing his job.
If it is clear that satan is always on his job, then Christians should rejoice in knowing that God's power is far greater than that of the enemy. So, how do Christians counteract the enemy and his antics? We stand on the B clause of John 10. If satan comes to kill, steal and destroy, our victory lies in the fact that our Heavenly Father came to do so much more for His children. That's good news! I'm often asked how I maintain my composure, strength and sanity, knowing that I've faced a number of challenges. I must tell you: it's not me; it's the spirit of Christ that lives within. It's the gifts of faith and hope that God has given me.
Through adversity, I've learned not to focus on my circumstances. Rather, I've come to understand that I could live and not merely exist by focusing on my creator and the promises He's made to me. A dear cousin of mine, Eric Davis, shared a thought that helped reinforce how I feel. He said, "Stop asking God for things and start believing Him for what He's promised." That's awesome! If the enemy has had you wallowing in self-pity, depression, defeat, fear and/or intimation or any other negative personality trait, I encourage you, my dear friends, from this day forward to embrace a new look outlook on life that causes you to walk in the authority of who you really are as a child of God. Don't you know you're royalty? Don't you know you're the child of a king? Don't you know that the earth is the Lord's - your Heavenly Father's - and the fullness thereof? Don't you know there's nothing too hard for God? Don't you know you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you? So, here's to you, blessed child of God. I celebrate you; for you are no longer merely existing; you are living. Enjoy the journey!