By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. (2 Peter 1:3 )
Recently, my family and I packed up everything we owned and moved to a new city. While packing one evening, I found myself getting frustrated after gathering what seemed like a million blankets, only to realize I had nothing to put them in. Seeing my annoyance, a friend that was there helping asked if I had any space saving containers. After a hasty “No” I remembered that a few months back I had actually purchased some jumbo vacuum seal storage bags. This whole time I had exactly what I needed, it was just buried under a heap of odds and ends!
If I had to take a guess, I would say that I am not the only one that has been in this very scenario lately. But instead of storage bags that were buried, it was your patience, your joy, or your hope. Maybe you found yourself in a heated discussion and your peace was nowhere to be found. Or perhaps you committed to eating healthy but for some reason the Krispy Kreme hot sign was shining brighter than your self-control.
Whatever trial you find yourself facing, you already have exactly what you need to prevail, you just need to locate it.
Before you can access what you’ve been given, you have to know what you even have. Galatians 5:22-23 says that the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If you have accepted Jesus into your heart, the Holy Spirit now lives in you and these things are all yours and available whenever you need them.
Once you know that you have, you have to filter through the things that may be hindering your access. You do this by practicing the presence of God and redirecting your thoughts. In every situation, act as if Jesus is standing right there with you. Instead of dwelling on how your boss talked down to you, and rehearsing what you wish you had said, try focusing on God’s provision and faithfulness, and thanking Him for giving you the job you asked for. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8)
The more time that you spend with the Lord; be it through reading your bible, listening to worship music, or being still in His presence, the quicker and easier it will be to access all that He has for you. No matter the situation or circumstance you may be facing, my hope for you is that you will identify and uncover your tools, and put them to use!
Dear Lord, Thank you for the many gifts you have given to us! I pray that as difficult situations arise throughout our lives, we will remember what we have access to. Empower us, by your Holy Spirit, to change our thoughts, and help our actions to line up with the fruit of your spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Written By: Britnie McDonald
Photo By: Kristin Laurin