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Verses preached hadn't worked either. They must not mean what people think they mean. Evidently, only God knows how to defeat Satan. I determined that, if I sought God's will and instruction on every given matter, it would be impossible to fail - as Satan can't defeat God. Therefore, I decided to erase my training and start over (as a little child, ye must be born again to enter
Kingdom of God) and bring my every question to God.
(I know that's not way man teaches it - but follow on.)
The law made nothing perfect, but bringing in of a better hope did, by which we draw nigh unto God. Hebrews 7:19
When verses spoke to me, THEN that was God speaking. And, since man's interpretation hadn't worked, I would research God's word for definition of those words ... soon learning that God is His own best commentator!
Having begun seeing Bible in a new way, I'd search like a detective, looking for How-To's (calling them "Master's Tools"). There's a promise of God's Word not returning void. So, whenever we'd be advertising a program or church event, I'd look for a supporting verse.
Then, without proper tools to find a verse I needed, I spent two weeks, 14 hrs. per day, searching. I couldn't give up, as that would mean Satan had won. God promises, if we seek Him with our whole heart, He'll reveal Himself to us.
Suddenly, Bible came to life! I could actually hear words and they spoke to my heart! For first time, I understood Bible! It spoke to me in my language!!!
For next several months, I wouldn't put God's word down. There where so many promises, Master's tools, and lessons to be learned - all over place!
It was so neat! God's instruction works!!! Whatever big or little that I sought God's will on, He blessed! I learned real meaning of "except Lord build house, those who build are laboring in vain - to not take name of Lord in vain." I also learned to let Him build mine. God provided and continued to provide tools for me to find deeper things in Bible, as I was ready to receive them.
In process of learning forgiveness at a level few have ever known, I came to realize that I was responsible for what happened to my house, that I hadn't sought God's will on it first. That was a pretty painful pill to swallow.
Though, God also taught me to know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em in terms of being manipulated by people who take advantage.
Seeking God, in all things, became my choice, as only God knows where Satan will be lurking next. Step by step, letting go of things I had been doing to keep financially afloat, I began taking God with me to grocery store and wherever else I went.
The MOST wonderful thing, in addition to all I continued to learn, is this. I grew in a personal relationship, a moment by moment walk with God, engulfed in His love ... and finally came to terms in that I was already accepted by God moment I received Him into my heart. I am royalty, an heir to throne, a child of KING!
In regard to finances, I later realized that Satan had been steeling from us all through years - even in areas I hadn't recognized. Having once given myself too much credit as, perhaps, one of most prepared for being frugal in world, there were areas I hadn't even seen. Only God can defeat Satan every time!
It took 3 mos. just to clean up construction mess enough for our house to be safe, though it never got repaired.
God gave my husband a new job (at 3 times our income) (at very same company who'd promised him employment 15 yrs. earlier) and made provisions for finances to get straightened out - one step at a time.
However, we ran into obstacles every time we attempted to thereafter hire help and, not wanting to start another project without God's blessings, restored finances just got saved instead.
Additionally, just before God replaced lost inheritance and other things that had been stolen from us, He gave me this verse. "And I will restore to you years that locust hath eaten, cankerworm, and caterpiller, and palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you." Joel 2:25
I had no idea what any part of that verse meant at that time. But, I knew God had just promised to replace ALL that Satan had stolen from us throughout years. Tears of joy flowed at awesome love of God! It was more than I'd hoped for and more of God than I had ever dared dream.
It has been 11 years since this part of my spiritual journey began. We've been free of financial bondage for a very long time now. And if not really that long, perhaps memory has faded. God answered me in joy of my heart. He set me free, as only He can do!
I haven't seen anything since that was enough temptation to ever go in debt again. And, growth with God has been wonderful! As painful as transition was, it was well worth getting to know Him in a more personal way.
The house God promised, that day on my knees, we paid cash for (paid in full). Not only did we get three times our income, but, again, we live in a house that is three times greater than our income would afford and is more than we ever expected to have in our lifetime. Only by grace of God, over 3,300 sq. ft., and I have no doubt but what God will fill it again.
God was more interested in cleaning inside of cup - making it healthy and whole. And when that's done, He owns it all!!!
Having learned appreciation for verse "he learned obedience by things he suffered" ... when our thoughts aren't lined up with who God is and His perfect will, we're not in our right mind. Everything God asks of us will prove to be for our benefit, every hard lesson learned will turn to glory. The battles are in mind. To take Satan by force and get our mind back, we have to start all over and come as a little child.
The greatest in Kingdom of Heaven are children. In all things, God is our strength and OUR GOD REIGNS!
May you find Peace that only He can give.
In His name,
Revised © 2003 by Joyce C. Lock
Let God be true, but every man a liar ... Romans 3:4
He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. Matthew 10:39
In addition to being a published author and poet, Joyce C. Lock created the religion column, "Christianity Made Simple" for Peru Daily Tribune, continues to write inspirational articles for area newspapers, and shares further in online and e-mail ministries.
