It's Up To You

            We all have difficult things to deal with – a frustrating relationship, a toxic boss, an unexpected bill, or a bad report from the doctor. The question is, how do we deal with these situations when they arise? Exodus 14:14 AMPC says when you “…hold your peace and remain at rest” that “the Lord will fight for you.”
           
           God has called us to reign in life. “If one man’s sin brought a reign of death--that’s Adam’s legacy—how much more will those who receive grace in abundance and the free gift of redeeming justice reign in life by means of one other man—Jesus the Anointed.” Romans 5:17 VOICE. Because God has given us an abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness, He expects us to reign in life through His precious Son, Jesus. When we react, rather than rest, we are not reigning in life.
           
           In any situation we face, we always have a choice. We can make the decision each day to let faith rule our thoughts, attitudes, and the things we say, or react negatively to the circumstances around us. Recently, I read about a pastor who received a great victory from the Lord in providing the funds to purchase a building in which to worship. All the parishioners celebrated. But the next day, the pastor received a telephone call that a large company had filed a federal lawsuit to keep the congregation from moving into the building.
           
            The pastor’s wife overheard the telephone conversation. She turned to her husband and asked him, “What are you going to do?" Right then, he had a choice to make. He could let fear, worry, anger, disappointment, or negative thinking steal his joy. But instead, he chose to rest and let God fight the battle. Today, his church meets every week in that building.
           
             When difficulties arise, are you going to let negative thoughts, attitudes, or emotions wedge themselves down into your spirit? Or are you going to choose to rest and let God fight the battle for you? It’s up to you.