Happy Wednesday! Have you had those days when things simply didn’t go as you had planned? Your schedule is ready, but you cannot fulfill things in the timeframe that you had anticipated. Well, that is the same thing that happened to Paul. Paul had a plan, but the plan was delayed (1 Cor. 16:5-7) and some Corinthian people discredited him because of somethings that were out of his control. Earlier this week we read some of Paul’s defense statements and today it continues with powerful words and reminders. Join me as we continue in 2 Corinthians chapter one.
“21 It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, 22 and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.“ 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NLT
In these verses, Paul continues to explain his ability to be faithful to God in his ministry to others. He reminds the Corinthian church that his journey to them is was not self-seeking, but his reliance on God.
Sisters and brothers, when a person believes, accepts and acknowledges Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior (Redeemer), they receive security in Christ Jesus and at that moment of belief the Holy Spirit is poured out on that believer. Ephesians 1:13-14 states, 13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own[d] by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. 14 The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.”
For those who believe, God has put his Holy Spirit in you. His promises will not return void. His love for you is endless. Trust His word, His plan and His purpose for your life. Even when things don’t go as you have planned or when people stand against you – while you are innocent trust God has a plan for you and that He will bring it to fruition.
Father God, thank you for installing your Holy Spirit into us. Thank you for your promises. Thank you for enabling us to stand firm in the faith. Lord, you know every detail of our lives. You know the truth of our circumstances, but yet you still call us to surrender our lives to you, walk in faith and stand firm. Lord, no one forgives like you do. However, Lord, we desire to have a heart that understands and forgives as you do. Lord, in the midst of trials or loved ones going astray keep us steady and firm in your word. As you extend grace, help us to extend grace and compassion to one another. Lord, if we defend a position, let it be a position that is pleasing to you and in alignment with your truth and not covered with deception. Lord, the enemy is lurking all around us and seeking to destroy anyone against him, but Lord, we know you are Power, Might, Overcomer, Ruler, Champion, Healer, Transformer, Way Maker, the Beginning (Alpha) and the end (Omega). Lord, help us to focus on the truth of who you are and what you have called us to do. Keep changing us so that others will see Christ in you. In Jesus name, amen.
Keep praying! Keep Trusting! Keep believing!
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