Lessons Learned

Over the years and even now in this Christmas season, I have marveled over the phrase, “The just shall live by faith.”  When I hear it, I begin to picture stair steps with faith written on them.  However, it is not until life hits in certain ways do you identify with the verse.  For it is by faith that we first believe unto salvation because of Christ.  By faith, we can believe we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalms. 27:13).  By faith we can believe Christ will give strength and will bless His people (Psalms. 29:11).  Above any situation or circumstance in this life, our honor and praise belong to the King of Kings, our Lord.

Here on earth, it is essential that even after salvation, our faith grows. We feed our faith and yes, are encouraged in the Lord Jesus by our focus.  For Romans 10:17, states, “faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God.”  I believe what God’s Word says, do you? Therefore, I understand that even my trials are a part of God’s plan for me; and If I am to experience any success now and in 2026, I should stay close to Him, no matter what is happening.  Staying close ensures we gain an understanding of the lesson in the trial.

My brother shared with me a devotional which spoke of the seasons of life.  In our seasons, we can choose to either fight God’s plan or embrace it.  We all know who will win.  Our hands are just too short to box (contend) with God.  Let’s choose to meditate every day, even every moment on God’s Word that we may have “good success” (phrase from Joshua 1:8).  Good success does not mean we are happy in all of our circumstances, but it means we trust God; and because of that, we know and believe we are able to stand.

Paul shared his contentment in Christ.  He basically stated in Philippians 4:11-13, how he can live when he is in abundance and when he lacks.  He proclaimed that he is able to bear all circumstances because of his dependence upon Christ’s sufficiency.  Christ is our All Sufficient One! (2 Corinthians 12:9)  We can choose to make Christ the One we run to every time; we can make Him our absolute only resource for strength (in this life); He never runs low on what we need.  In Him, we find all we need to grow from faith to faith to be able to stand, even under the fires.

PRAYER: Dear God, thank You so much for everything leading up to this Christmas season! For we can sing, preach, teach, “You are the source of our Strength; and You are the Strength of our Life.”  With You, we can triumph through all the plans You have for us.  You are faithful to keep us; and we realize that You hold the reins.  For You know what is best for us and will make us look more and more like Your Son, the Lord Jesus.  May You forever rest, rule and abound in lives.  In Jesus’ Name-Amen!
By Sis. Lisa Williams