Set your feet and don't move!

1 Corinthians 15:58 says: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose]. {Amplified version}

When I read this passage of scripture, I often find myself thinking about a tree. A tree is one of the strongest resources we have on this earth. Trees can create many things without even having to add or take away anything. The resources of a tree depends totally on the strength of it's roots. If you've ever seen footage from a hurricane or tornado, you'll notice that there are trees uprooted out of the ground. The uprooted trees reveal how weak they are once you notice that the roots aren't deep enough in the ground. Many times we think that just quoting scriptures and shouting reveals our depth in God. But actually it can sometimes reveal our folly. As I have said in my previous post, when you open your mouth and say certain things God expects you to practice what you preach. Circumstances or storms of life will reveal just how rooted your really are in God.

The scripture above tells us to be immovable. That means that no matter what anyone says or does, you have to stand on the promises of God. The question that we must ask ourselves is, how can I stand on something I don't know? The answers to that question can be found in Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. {Amplified version} Meditation on the Word of God brings faith. You can't live something that you don't know. Time out of everyday must be dedicated to spending quality time in the Word of God. The more you study, the more faith you'll have in diverse situations. This scripture is not telling us to be some sort of nun or something but it is simply telling us to include God in everything that we do. Before going to work, spend time thinking on the Word of God. Before making any decision, spend time with God. When our aspirations fail its not a God failure, it's a prayer failure...it's a meditation failure. God wants us to be successful but we have to acknowledge him in all our ways so that he may direct our path. He knows business plans that no one else knows....He knows where that dream job is...He knows how to help you prosper even in a failing economy. All we have to do is spend time in his Word so that we can have the answers we need.

Just as a reminder I'll quote the above scripture again 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose]. I'm going to focus on the highlighted part which lets us know that God will not forget our hard work. It's human nature to want to see immediate results, but God's way doesn't work that way. God has to allow us to go through difficult situations so that he might see our TRUE DEPTH in him. If a person has a made up mind to stand on God's Word no matter what, you'll find that your reward will come quicker. God is looking for someone to reveal himself to, he's not going to reveal his power to a person who is easily moved or easily shaken. We have to either believe the Word and do it, or continue on a path to nowhere.

Ephesians 6:13Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place] { Amplified version}. In order to stand firmly, we have to shed those things which are contrary to what God says. It says put on GOD'S complete armor. The armor of God is truth, righteousness, and persistence. When you think about it, this scripture is telling us to be radical in our belief in GOd. It means that I choose to stand on God's promises even if it means that I will be frowned upon. Abraham demonstrated this principle many times in his day, particularly when he was told that he would conceive a son of his own body. Abraham had no better sense than to trust God eventhough he knew that he and his wife were way beyond their childbearing years. He also demonstrated this when he took the very son that God promised and offered him up as a sacrifice. We have to be so sold out to God and his Word that we don't care what anyone else thinks.

In conclusion, everyday we should ask ourselves are we really planted deeply in God's word or is it just an on the surface relationship. As I said previously a tree is only as strong as its roots. A deeply rooted tree will not move no matter what storm comes. A shallow rooted tree will be blown away. A scripture that people love to quote is 3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. We love to say all those Christian cliches'...."Money cometh to me now" etc, etc, etc. But nothing will come to you if your not rooted in God or spiritually mature. Even as your soul prospers means that God is not going to give a 2 year old baby a Rolls Royce. He's going to wait until that child matures and becomes more responsible and dependable. In other words, set your feet on God's word and refuse to allow the devil to move you. There is a blessing in perserverance.

Remain blessed