Unleashing the Truth

You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (New American Standard Bible)

Scripture is meant to touch all areas of our life, but often we can limit its impact by limiting its interpretation. Many times I have read today’s verse and seen it as merely a reference to Christ versus Satan. Earlier today, however, God brought this verse to mind when I began battling some mindsets. He helped me see that if Christ (in me) is greater than Satan and his entire host of demon helpers, then He is also greater than any personal weaknesses and propensities I have in me. The very things that continue to trip me up and break me down are inferior to Him and His strength. I need that assurance lest I draw the conclusion that I will never see victory in certain areas of my life.

I want this to be more than truth making its way into my head. I want it to be truth that shapes my life and brings about change. Tonight I am very aware of an area in my life that needs to change and the uncomfortable part is that others are aware of it as well. A part of me wants to run, hide, and avoid any situation which will bring my weaknesses to the surface. The temptation is strong to be around others only on days when I am able to be strong physically, emotionally, and spiritually. After all, how can I be an encouragement to others if I walk in failure? Wouldn’t it be better to not be seen than to set a poor example?

As I pondered those ideas it didn’t take long for me to see that God wasn’t in them. His desire is for my freedom and growth not my disappearance and withdrawal. He knows that each failure simply stands as a reminder that there is still work to be done in me. He knows that my ability to fight will not be accomplished away from the battle. He also knows that stepping away is not the answer…stepping up to the plate is!

Tonight I choose to allow this verse to come alive in new ways to me. Yes, greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. But also, greater is He that is in me than all the other things that are in me. Greater is He that is in me than anything in me that leads to mistakes, failure, and wrong choices. Greater is He that is in me than every thing that attempts (and sometimes succeeds) to pull me in the wrong direction. Tonight I choose to let my failure serve as a reminder of the greatness of the One who lives in me.

Father, I marvel that You never seek to rid Yourself of me. You keep working. You keep molding. You keep cultivating. You keep staying. Forgive me and take me farther. Amen.

Greater Is He - Sparky Marco
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nqww8NgYpzI&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.