"By the Word of God"

"By the Word of God"     

   

   God spoke and creation sprang forth from His word.  "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear" (Hebrews 11:3).

   God speaks, and creation continues to be.  "His Son… upholding all things by the word of His power" (Hebrews 1:2; 3).

   These truths being true, is it possible that God, by His word, can keep our hearts in peace?  Absolutely.  "This is my comfort in my affliction, for Thy word hath quickened me" (Psalm 119:50).  The fact of the matter is that nothing can happen in our lives beyond God's ability to still the waters of our spirits, regardless of the nature and measure of our challenges.  We will be tempted often, of course, and the possibility of succumbing to fear will be with us throughout our earthly lives.  Never, however, is it inevitable or necessary that we must fail to avail ourselves of the "peace of God, which passeth all understanding," as known by the Word of God, which surpasses all trial and tribulation (Philippians 4:7).

   "But what if this happens?  Or what if that frightful prospect actually takes place?"  We can all imagine, or rather, our spiritual enemies can tempt us with scenarios that would seem beyond our capacity for faith.  Let's go ahead and settle this matter right now - they are beyond our capacity for faith.  Thankfully, our faith is not the main issue.  By definition, trusting the Lord Jesus Christ primarily involves His capacity for faithfulness.  His trustworthiness and the truth of His word must rather serve as the lens by how we view the "what ifs?" of the future.  Thus, if thoughts of frightful prospects come to mind, we do not wonder about ourselves and whether we will rise to the occasion.  "Will the Lord Jesus rise to the occasion?  Will His word prove yet again to be true?"  These are the questions of primary import and significance.  Considering that He arose from the dead, as foretold and faithfully reported by Scripture, confirms that our Savior will indeed be everything we need Him to be in every scenario of life.  Moreover, His quickening word will guide and strengthen us, as empowered and applied to our hearts and minds by the mutually quickening Holy Spirit.  

   Since it is not inevitable that we will trust our Lord in trouble, we do well to avail ourselves of His preparation for trials to come.  Hiding the Word of God in our hearts and minds serves to ready us for those times when we will need to access our Lord's power to overcome.  The same Divine declaration that created and sustains an unspeakably vast and complex universe offers us a light in the darkness, and illuminating power to walk through the darkness in peace.  Since we know trouble is coming in some form or measure, we do well to ready ourselves for the faith whereby God's grace enables us to overcome.  Or, as the Apostle Paul declared of such vital preparation…

"Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."

(Romans 10:17)

Weekly Memory Verse 

   For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

(Romans 5:10)