Are you like me, sometimes wondering what is going on? I have studied the Scriptures for the promise of God in my situation. I have prayed and asked, believing that not only is He able, but willing.
So what is going on? I was meditating this thought one day, when the Lord whispered into my spirit, “Thanksgiving is the force that moves the mountain!”
I went back to the Scriptures. Two of them stood out to me: “ As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, and abounding with thanksgiving” (Col. 2:6-7).
“Stand therefore . . . having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:14-15, AMPC).
Many Christians seem to be surprised when they find themselves in the middle of a battle. But Peter has told us, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though some strange thing happened to you” 1 Pet. 4:12, MEV). Jesus told us we would have trials in this world (see John 16:33).
When you were born again, you entered a war zone. Good versus evil. Satan versus God. The Good News: We know who wins!
Ephesians 6:12-18 gives us the weapons for the spiritual battles we face in this world. Verses 14-15 tell us our feet need to be prepared with peace. The Word is a lamp unto your feet and a light to your path (see Ps. 119:105).
When the Bible tells us to “stand therefore,” it does not mean doing nothing. It is preparation time so the Lord can lead us through the mountain to the other side.
As long as we are in this world, there will always be a battle. How well you prepare will determine the length and outcome.
Ephesians 6:17 tells us the Word of God is the sword of the Spirit. Every time you read and study the Word of God, you are preparing for battle. Speaking the Word of God forms the shield of faith that shatters the enemies’ plans.
Colossians tells us we are to be established in faith and abounding in thanksgiving.
Reading and meditating the Word is how we become established in faith. Thanksgiving comes from a heart established in faith, which gives you the confidence to ask God for your miracle (1 John 5:14-15). Now, the only thing to do while you are standing is to give thanks for the answer.
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thess. 5:18). We all want to walk in the will of God in our lives. This tells us very clearly how to do so.
Remember the Boy Scouts’ pledge, always “be prepared”? Don’t wait for a trial to come. When you are prepared, you will do what Jesus did when the enemy challenged Him. He said, “It is written,” and walked right through the challenge (see Matt. 4:1-11).
Jesus practiced thanksgiving. When He called Lazarus from the grave, He said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me” (John 11:41b). It is easy to thank God after you have received the answer, but it takes faith to thank God before receiving your victory. Remember, it is impossible to please Him without faith (Heb. 11:6).
“A man’s heart devises his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (Prov. 16:9. As you walk the runway of life you will find many detours, but when you are established in faith, abounding with thanksgiving, God will direct your steps around, over or through, whatever it takes to bring you to a land flowing with milk and honey. {eoa}
Joyce Tilney is founder of Women of God Ministries, teaching women today from women of yesterday. (www.wogministries.com). She is an author and Bible teacher. Her book and workbook, both titled Why Diets Don’t Work (www.whydiets.com) share her 90 pound weight-loss testimony. Her new book, The Real Woman Grows Roses from the Thorns of Life, will be available in March 2018.
Janet Perez Eckles 
Shawn Akers 
Abby Trivett 
