Kept Strong by the Word

Deuteronomy 11 : 8 - 9, "Therefore you shall keep every commandment which I command you today, that you may be strong, and go in and possess the land which you cross over to possess, and that you may prolong your days in the land which the LORD swore to give your fathers, to them and their descendants, 'a land flowing with milk and honey.' NKJV

There is a word from the Lord that has exploded in my heart and spirit that you need to hear. Why do you need to hear it? Like so many in the body of Christ, you have most likely experienced persecution, heartache, and setbacks. These attacks come against us from our adversary the Devil; he sends them to undermine our faith. However, as faith walkers, we do well until we begin to experience heart-wrenching or physical pain. It is when we go through the lowest valleys of life that doubts, fears, unbelief, and hurt will try to talk us out of having faith.

Nevertheless, during the hard seasons of life, we must make a conscious decision, whether to continue walking by faith or to draw back in unbelief. As a pastor, I hear from people around the world who tell me how tough it is for them to live by faith in the times in which we live. As a result, I am strongly compelled by the Holy Spirit to share the truth with you today about where you may be, why you may be going through the fire, and what you can do to overcome it.

James tells us that if we will submit to God and resist the Devil, he will flee from us. Even so, in the context of this scripture, James mentions that God gives more grace. Some seasons in life require “more grace” than others, such as a loss of a family member, a career, or a home. The key is to find the strength that you will need in order to ENDURE this trial, overcome it, and continue to walk by faith.

In today’s scripture, you will find the key to living victoriously...even in adversity. God’s Word will give us the strength that is needed to confront, endure, and prevail over the trials that come our way in life. If we will keep, obey, and continue in God’s Word, then the Word will keep us during the hard seasons of life. God not only wants you to overcome the trials sent to you by Satan; He wants you to be restored and brought into a better season. According to James 1:12, after you have been tried and found faithful, you will be rewarded. Therefore, if there has ever been a “time” in life that the people of God need to know and stand on God’s Word, it is now!

It is only when we know and obey the Word of God that we are truly walking and living by faith. When we choose to live by faith, then God allows us to inherit the promises He has given to us from His Word. You can do this, but you have to do it in God’s strength, not in yours. If you’re not familiar with the Word of God, let this word challenge you to get in the Bible and then let it get into you. If you’re already knowledgeable of God’s Word, nevertheless, you haven’t applied the Word to your conduct, behavior, or speech; I challenge you to allow the Word to have a place in your heart. Keep it; and it will keep you when the enemy rages against you.

As Moses told the children of Israel, I want to encourage you as well. "Therefore you shall keep every commandment which I command you today, that you may be strong, and go in and possess the land which you cross over to possess, and that you may prolong your days in the land which the LORD swore to give your fathers, to them and their descendants, 'a land flowing with milk and honey.'

Be Strong through God’s Word Today,
Pastor Asa Dockery