1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV) - Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.
As I continue to mature spiritual, I am always seeking instructions on how to stand strong to make it through the many battles and temptations we all face. Sometimes these instructions show up as a remembrance of something my grandmother, father or mother taught me. Other times it comes as a reminder of a lesson I or someone learned through life. However, as I mature spiritually, I seek God’s instructions and guidance from the Bible. I realize that as I seek these instructions in the Bible, all the steps are written for us. These instructions were always readily available to us. That is one of the many truths I was taught.
As one of God’s children, I know God will always have the victory. Many of you may have been told while you were going through a particular battle or storm in life to “be strong.” I know when I heard this, be strong, I said how? Today’s verse, which some compare it to a military command or instruction before war, provides us with five steps to win our battles. Some who have served in the military may relate to these instructions; 1-Be on guard which means be vigilant and stay awake. 2- Stand firm in your faith. Anchor on God’s word and promises. 3- Be courageous, do not be shaken by danger or pain, know that God is with you. 4- Be Strong, don’t seek your strength, instead rely on God’s strength. 5- Do everything in love. If you forget how to do this, read 1 Corinthians 13:1-7.
Today I encourage you to read 1 Corinthians 13 and 16. Victory is yours. Happy Victorious living!
Dear God,
Thank you for your instructions on how to live a victorious life. You never instruct me in the wrong way to go. I pray that all your children heed your clear instructions so they can win every battle they face. Simply, so they live victoriously. I ask this in your son Jesus name. Amen!
Ilka V. Chavez