A recent newspaper article reported the story of a sad accident in a small town. When over 100 people gathered in a small room built over a garage, the floor gave way under the weight and the crowd fell through the splintered wood. While none was injured seriously, several received medical treatment for minor wounds. It was reported that onlookers rushed into the garage using strong beams in an attempt to brace up what was left of the floor, but their efforts proved futile.
Calvin Miller writes, “Christ is the grand overcomer. By receiving Jesus into our lives, we erect the inner bracing (emphasis mine) that enables us to withstand the pressure of all our outer circumstances…we gain the power to control life and not be crushed by it…”* The pressures of people, circumstances and perhaps even malicious evil threaten to destroy the foundations of life. Prolonged illness, extended periods of joblessness, betrayal by those we thought friends make us feel as though everything we trusted to provide stability has disappeared.
The Apostle Paul knew what it was like to live with “collapsing floors.” In writing to his friends he said, “We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going…We live under constant danger to our lives because we serve the Lord, but this gives us constant opportunities to show forth the power of Jesus Christ within our dying bodies 2 Corinthians 4:9-11 (The Living Bible).
And the same message Paul heard from God in the midst of his troubles is for us: “(God) said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Thank you, Father, for the “collapsing floors” of my life because I am learning to know that you will never leave nor forsake me.
Take time this week to thank God for the difficulties you have faced, and for how God has provided stability in the midst of them.
*Into the Depths of God by Calvin Miller
Our loving Father gave us hundreds of Scriptures of who we are in Christ. Over and over He is saying through the Word, “Remember who you are. You are a reflection of Me.” Take some time to gaze into the Living Water and see the reflection of who you are.
You are Abba’s child.
Galatians 4:6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”
He is Abba, Father.
Romans 8:15 You received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”
You are on the winning side.
Colossians 2:15 Having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
He is the victorious warrior.
Exodus 15:3 The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.
You are crowned with love and compassion.
Psalm 103:4 … who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion…
He is a glorious crown.
Isaiah 28:5 The Lord Almighty will be a glorious crown.
You are rich in his grace.
2 Corinthians 8:9 You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor…
He is God of all grace.
1 Peter 5:10 The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ… will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
You are free from condemnation.
Romans 8:1 There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…
Jesus is the friend of sinners.
Mathew 11:19 The Son of Man [is] a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.”
You are heard.
Isaiah. 65:24 Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.
He is God who hears.
Exodus 22:27 When he cries out to me, I will hear…
You are seen by God.
Psalm 33:13-14 The LORD looks… he sees all the sons of men. He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth.
He is God who sees (Elroi).
Genesis. 16:13 You are the God who sees me…
You are prayed for.
John 17:20 My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.
He is your intercessor.
Hebrews 7:25 He always lives to intercede for them
You are filled with joy.
John 17:13 … that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.
He heals the brokenhearted.
Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
You are satisfied.
Isaiah 58:11 The Lord … will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land.
He is satisfaction.
Psalms 107:9 He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
You are not afraid.
Psalm 27:1 The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
The LORD is your light and your salvation.
Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
You have authority to overcome.
Luke 10:19 I have given you authority to … overcome all the power of the enemy.
He has all authority.
Matthew 28:18 All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
You are a tree planted by streams of water.
Jeremiah 17:8 He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.
He is the Living Water.
John 7:37-39 Whoever believes in me… streams of living water will flow from within him. By this he meant the Spirit…
Remember who you are…because of who your Father is.
