Vance's Musings: You’re More Powerful Than You Know

At the end of last year, I had a thought that stopped me in my tracks. I cannot be killed until it’s my time.

In the chaos of the 2020+ horror show, that’s an empowering thought. But it’s not a license to act foolishly. In most cases, we won’t know what it is that will get us, and it just might be whatever current TikTok challenge that’s going on.

Psalm 139:16 says all our days are ordained before they came to be. Ephesians 2:10 tells us we’re God’s handiwork, created to do the good works that God has prepared in advance for us to do.

We got stuff to do before it’s time.

I saw a meme on Facebook that reminded me of the 23rd Psalm. It said, “If your path demands you to walk through hell, walk like you own the place.”

The Psalm says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.“

They want to get at you, and you can peacefully eat your dinner. Why? God is there. Yahweh.

When He spoke, reality banged into being.

We can do anything as long as it’s in His will.

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

It’s crazy now, and the thing is that it isn’t just people we face.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

There is a spiritual evil behind the madness. The goal?

Sow as much chaos as possible.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:8-9

What can we do?

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power…Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:10, 13-18

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” 2 Corinthian 10:4

“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:11-12

“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” 1 Peter 3:13-16