God did not say his last word

Monday, June 21, 2021

God did not say his last word

Searching the Scriptures

You will have to suffer in the world, but take heart : I have conquered the world. John 16.33

As I reread the story of the Passion of Jesus, I understand the relevance of some of our sayings.

"Such is taken who believed to take." Behind the religious leaders who plotted the arrest and then the death of Jesus, we know that Satan was in control - Luke 22.3 tells us that "Satan entered into Judah". None of them knew that in reality they were fulfilling God's perfect plan. Because, above all, God reigns as sovereign and the last word belongs to him.

"Don't sell the bear skin until you've killed it." Football fans will remember this final of the 2000 European Championship where the Italians claimed victory too early : in the dying seconds, France regained control and then won the cup ! In Mark 14.11, it is the same with the detractors of Jesus who "rejoiced"; they thought they could get rid of "this impostor" for good. But there was "the third day" : Jesus is risen !

"Losing a battle doesn't have to mean losing the war." Have you never heard of Alan Turing, this English mathematician considered the father of computer science ? He succeeded in deciphering the messages circulating within the Nazi army during World War II, thus revealing its future offensives. Many of them have been foiled.

However, in order to prevent the enemy from realizing this discovery, it was necessary to "muddle the waters" and lose battles on purpose. It is said that the city of Coventry was sacrificed for a "higher good" : the victory of the allies.

Likewise, Jesus sacrificed his life, "lost a battle" - apparently. In reality, the war against sin, death and the devil was won forever.

Christian life is a spiritual struggle. Do not let ourselves be impressed by the cheers of these demons and Co. who, in the stands of the stadium where our life is played out, could rejoice in our failures, falls, tribulations or persecutions.

Do not forfeit before the final whistle ! The devil is an enemy already defeated ! "We are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8:37) So have courage !

Listen to the voice of God

Let’s take the time to listen to what God means. If you are going through a difficult situation and feel like giving up everything, listen to God. He whispers in your ear, "Don't forfeit ! I'm with you! You can do it !"

Praying is easy. Talk to God as you would your closest friend. God loves you and he can hear everything. Here is an example of a prayer : "Lord, I measure how great and powerful you are. You are the one who has the last word in every situation I go through. I am more than a conqueror through Jesus who loved me and who has won the victory over the devil and his demons."

Praise God

To praise God is to show him our gratitude. What are your subjects of recognition today ? Take a moment to thank the Lord for this.

Act today

Now dig deeper into what you have received. What can you do to apply what God has told you ? Write down the concrete actions you can take.

Honor the Lord

Our route for the day comes to an end. Let us pray together to honor our God.

"Lord, I believe that you have acted in my situation, even though I do not yet perceive it here on earth. I fully trust you. Yours be the reign, the power and the glory forever. Be it so. so !"

Catherine Gotte Avdjian

Source (The Thought of the Day)