James 4:7-8, New Living Translation

“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.”

Jesus is the only one who can change our lives. In order for Him to change our lives, we must be willing to submit to His Lordship over our lives and hearts. The Bible tells us in James, “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” (James 4: 7-8, NLT) This scripture sounds harsh, but it is spoken out of love and concern for our spiritual welfare. The world and Satan will say and do anything to entice us away from God. He gives us an imitation of the real thing that never fully satisfies us. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 11:14 (NLT), “But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” It is pertinent that we are spending time in God’s word so we can discern between the true living God, and the deceiver who seeks to kill, steal, and destroy.

When we submit to God, it will not always be an easy road to walk. We know the truth and the truth will set us free. But we must also walk out the truth. We must live it daily not just through words, but in our deeds. We will face trials and tribulations because not everyone will accept Christ in us. Remember what Jesus said, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” (John 15:18-19, NLT)

This may, at times, be hard to walk in, but we must remember the two most important commandments that sums up the law… “Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40, NLT)

Love is not an easy road to walk either. But if we persist in love, those around us will encounter Jesus through our love. There will be those that will not want to hear the name of Jesus. But they cannot stop us from loving them with the love of Christ.  This is how our light will shine like a lamp on a hill that will not be hidden. When the moment comes, the Holy Spirit will lead us to talk to the individual(s) about Christ.  Remember, Christ did not come to condemn the world, but God sent His Son, Jesus, so that through Him the world would be saved. The Bible also tells us, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13, NLT)

Jesus instructed us to stay connected to the vine. “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5, NLT) When we walk this walk of love, this walk of faith, we do not walk alone. We walk with the King of Kings, the Lord of lords! He promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us. 

Paul encourages us in Galatians 6:9 (NLT), “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up.” Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone–especially to those in the family of faith. No matter what we go through, we can count on our Lord to show up every time. There will be times when He seems distant or quiet, but as the saying goes, the teacher is always quiet during the test. He wants to know that you trust Him, that you believe in Him, that you will walk in the truth of His word. Malachi 3:2-4 (NLT) says, “But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes. He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord. Then once more the Lord will accept the offerings brought to him by the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as he did in the past.”

Do not be discouraged when you face hardships. I know that is easier said than done.  I am speaking this to myself too. Billy Graham said, “Mountaintops are made for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys.” Though it is difficult and uncomfortable, God meets us in the valley, and He is doing something beautiful within that will echo into eternity. Instead of letting depression or anxiety get the best of us, let us try to change our perspective and ask, “What am I supposed to be learning from this?” Whatever that is, God will use you to minister to others to fulfill His will and purpose for you and for others.

God does not let anything go to waste. Isaiah 55:10-13 (NLT) says, “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands! Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow. Where nettles grow, myrtles will sprout up. These events will bring great honor to the LORD’s name; they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love.”

I am so grateful for a God whose love for me will never end. I am so grateful for a God who loves me so much that He was willing to conquer death, hell, and the grave for my salvation and for me to live a life of peace, love and joy; that even when I am in the valley, He will work all things for my good! I am so grateful that this blessing is not just for me, but for you too! One day, we will stand before Jesus, and He will say, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” I pray that these words reach your heart and that the Lord will minister to you in a way that you will continue to understand the knowledge and love God has for you. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.