Our relationship with God isn’t based on our goodness any more, but on Christ’s goodness.
When we’re in a relationship with God, the Word by means of the Holy Spirit enables us to see situations from a spiritual perspective. There’s an assurance, a peace in our hearts that "in all situations God works for the good." We don’t need to panic in a crisis because we have a helper in the Holy Spirit and knowledge that "nothing is impossible" for Him. We have an "elpis" hope, the "confident and joyful expectation of good" that the world doesn’t have. We don’t need to depend upon natural resources. Isn’t that incredible? That even in the midst of trouble, we still feel priceless and special; worth more than the jewels of any earthly kingdom.
Abraham was able to see with his spiritual eyes. "Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are - northward, southward, eastward, and westward." (Gen 13:14) When we read the scriptures, we’re given wisdom that helps us make right choices. We hear God’s voice and have increased spiritual memory so we’re able to recall crucial verses in time of need. It says Abraham…
"who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform." (Rom 4:18-21)
It is possible to be in the middle of the fiercest storm but be "walking on cloud nine!" The Bible teaches us that the seed of the Word has to be planted in our hearts. Nothing works outside of the Word. A relationship with God without the Scriptures is difficult, as our hearts would just become too hardened and our faith would fail. We would lose that sense of God’s love and begin to strive unnecessarily. Our minds would start to go in the opposite direction; we’d lose sense of the hope we once knew as the doubts and fears begin to overpower us. We’d feel distant as our faith is replaced by the cares and concerns of the world. This is the opposite of resisting the devil and actually empowers him to keep us bound. The Bible is our "daily bread;" to nourish, strengthen, protect and transform us into "the likeness of Jesus." It is God’s provision.
It is everything we need to live that "princess life."
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Rom 12:2)
As children of God, we partner with Him. We progress as we relationship with Him into strong women (or men) of God who show a likeness to Him. We sow seeds into people’s hearts and pray for those seeds to grow. We allow God to pour out His love into us so it’s overflowing into those around us. We use the gifts He’s given us to give Him glory so the world can see that He is good. ‘He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Rom 8:32) No one will ever love us as much as our perfect Heavenly Father. Praise God that we have the awesome privilege to be His children and His bride!
"I graduated with a BA hons in German from University of Manchester, UK and then became a primary school teacher, specialising in pre-school education. I set up a colour styling business 10 years ago and more recently a colour training school. I also have a fashion blog that supports and encourages women in raising their confidence and self-esteem. I am part of the chaplaincy team at my local hospital who minister the love of God to patients and within Church I help support those new to the faith."
_Lo