I am not disadvantaged – Part 5

Sometimes we feel inadequate when thinking of the huge assignment or goals and desires. But, what you and I need to understand is that as long as those desires and goals are shaped and impregnated in us by the Holy Spirit, then there is nothing we should fear. Jesus said, ““I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with Me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing.” Read John 15:5 (MSG). I believe the problem with being disadvantaged starts when we rely in our own strength, wisdom and willpower. Whilst all these qualities are good, I would suppose we ought to yield our intellect to God, as that way we become more effective either in the marketplace, at home as a husband or as a wife, etc.

Be thankful. Gratitude is a covenant attitude, hence the Bible tells us, “Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.” Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (MSG). My Bible also says, “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.” Philippians 4:6 (MSG). In other words, brothers and sisters, Thanksgiving is a form of prayer. Being thankful is an indication of one’s acknowledgement of God as their source and joy giver.

The Bible says, “Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in Him!.” Read Philippians 4:4 (MSG). The amplified version puts it this way, “Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! To revel or celebrate is not a dormant statement, it means to be actively involved in offering up sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving to God. It requires an exuberant and outward display of joy and to some extent dancing and bubbling over with excitement because of what the Lord has done and continues to do in your life.

Give Him praise, for He alone is worthy to be praised. And this is why you have the advantage. I say it again and again, you are not disadvantaged. Remember, “And do not be worried, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and your stronghold.” Read Nehemiah 8:10 (AMP). “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us spreads and makes evident everywhere the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Him. Read 2 Corinthians 2:14 (AMP).

I am thankful every day of my life because I know who holds my future right in His hands – the Lord God Almighty. I am thankful every day because “Christ in me, the hope of glory.” I am thankful every day because my relationship with Him is secure. I am thankful every day because “He loves me with an everlasting love. I am thankful because God is my refuge and strength, and I am thankful because God is God, and there is no other like Him. Dearly beloved, these are some of the reasons why I am extremely grateful to my Father in Heaven for loving me unconditionally.

“O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.” Read Psalm 47:1 (KJV). This is an action verse, don’t just read it, right where you are, lift up your hands, giving Him praise, shout unto God with a loud voice of triumph.

We write. You read. Be encouraged.