We, as humans, like to imagine. We like to dream of a world where pain doesn’t exist, diseases die, love abounds and joy is everlasting. Actually, for the child of God, there is such a place. It’s our eternal home. It’s not this earth we’re currently residing in. But that is no reason to be discouraged. One day, we shall be living free face to face with our Creator in a perfect world that our human minds cannot fathom while we’re here on earth. This hope is the fuel that keeps us going every day as we enter a world filled with all kinds of things completely contrary to what God intended.
And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (Romans 5:5 NLT) He knows we’re here and everything we will ever face. He did not leave us alone. He did not expect us to get through life’s battles without supernatural help. For the follower of Christ, the very Spirit of the living God resides in you. He is literally directing your steps whether you know it or not. People without the Lord to guide them are stumbling around trying to find their way on their own. How sad to only have human wisdom to rely on. The child of God has so much more! We have God’s peace in the storms, His promises to fight our battles and the very guarantee of eternal life! But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57 NLT)
We certainly have a lot to face in this world. If you take a stand and choose to do life God’s way, things can and often will be harder. God’s ways are not the world’s ways. So this, a lot of times, causes conflict. Being completely truthful, some days you’re just plain worn out. People are divided over issues. Conflicts over the most petty things arise and there you are having to deal with “that” again! You’re trying to walk in love but the flesh raises its head and gets involved. It goes on and on. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. (Romans 8:37 NKJV) More than conquerors! I like that. A conqueror is someone who has overcome an adversary. King Jesus has already secured the victory over our adversary, the devil, for us but once again, there’s more! We get to walk in total victory. We get to face every obstacle with the Holy Spirit in us and we have Jesus at the right hand of the Father interceding for us! Even when things seem to be falling apart, we’re still winners.
Even if sickness occurs, even if you lose your job, even if the marriage fails, there’s still more. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10 NKJV) He wants our lives to be lived more abundantly in every area. He has not left us without hope and help. He knows we, in Him, are victorious. We have to stay focused on that. We have to walk in that truth. Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV) No matter what, you have God with you! He’s the ultimate prize and the ultimate provider of everything you will ever need. He did not tell you life would in any way be easy. In fact, quite the contrary. But He is with you when nobody else is. Even when you think nobody notices or cares, He does and will continue to do so. He’s got more in store for you.
In closing, I just want to remind you that Jesus has a plan for you. They are plans for your good even when you go through the bad. He certainly can and will turn it around. That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9) He says we can’t even imagine! I can think of some pretty amazing things, but He says I’ve never even seen or heard anything as good as what He has planned. This reminds me to keep my chin up, my hopes up and reminds me to stay focused on the One who controls all of the universe. I can know with certainty that there’s always more!
Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband, Robby and cat, Harold.