Do you ever feel like you don’t have a say in your life?
You were let go from your job. Your spouse has decided it just isn’t working. Your doctor called to say there’s nothing more they can do.
We live in a broken world. Shattered hopes and dreams are as common as soggy greige trash along the shoulder of a Michigan highway in March. In the winter seasons of our life, the landscape can feel just as muddied.
If that’s you today, I have good news. You get a vote.
God Stacks the Deck in Our Favor
Now before you go shooting the messenger, let me explain. In the spiritual realm, a battle ensues over your life and the stakes are high: your very soul. Satan would like to escort you straight to hell. God has already prepaid your ticket to heaven (your salvation via Jesus’s death on the cross). He will stop at nothing to deliver it to you (2 Peter 3:9).
I will let the brilliant Charlene Martin, women’s pastor at City Church, take it from here.
“There are always three votes about your life: Satan will always vote against you. God will always vote for you. And you get to be the tie breaker,” she said during a teaching of Walk Worthy, a study on the book of Ephesians.
Don’t be deceived about Satan. His titles include Deceiver, Accuser, Tempter, and Father of Lies. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy [said Jesus]. I came that you might have life and have it abundantly,” (John 10:10, English Standard Version).
And don’t miss that you have a God that is for you and wants to meet you in your every need. Whether that’s hunting for a new job, healing from a broken relationship, or heading into the biggest health challenge of your life. For every one of God’s answers concerning our lives are “Yes” and “Amen” in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20).
Exercise Your Right to Vote!
Sometimes we don’t get a say in what happens to us. But oftentimes we do if we trace the chain of our decisions backwards. It’s a good habit to get into, examining our hearts and motives before the Lord. This practice allows us to make mid-course corrections so that the thieving liar can’t rob us of our joy and peace.
It’s a good habit to get into, examining our hearts and motives before the Lord. This practice allows us to make mid-course corrections so that the thieving liar can’t rob us of our joy and peace.
Jamie Linn Brummel
Stop and consider that every day we make about 35,000 “remotely conscious” decisions (http://science.unctv.org/content/reportersblog/choices). Each of those decisions carries with it natural consequences.
But knowing you get a vote changes everything. You aren’t powerless in the face of your circumstances. Even how you respond casts a vote on the side of life or death.
You are the tie breaker. Vote in favor of your life and live abundantly.
That is such a wonderful, refreshing way to look at things!!! WOW!!! Thank you!!!!
Thank YOU for responding, Rebecca! Glad you found a fresh word in it.
Thank you for the reminder, that while we are not in control, we do have a vote! Often, that means “being still and know.”. I find I often need to work at stopping the chatter and chaos, to hear that inner voice of God “saying I have got this dear child.”
Yes, I think so often we fall into the trap of thinking life happens to us. The reality is we do have a say in everything that transpires. We can react or respond. Staying close to Jesus helps us know which action will bring life and peace.
Wonderful! Clear writing is evidence of clear thinking. Great message, well crafted.
So humbled by your words, Armand. I consider you a master crafstman. Bless you for encouraging me!