More With Us When setting out on a venture it can be overwhelming if it seems that the opposition far outnumbers what is apparently less skilled and equipped. It’s not enough to just have a good idea with a destination that looks promising. It will require the right personnel, resources, planning, and time to arrive there with a finished and functioning product. The amazing devices that have become such an integral part of our daily lives didn’t just appear from the efforts of single individuals. They were developed over long periods from the concerted contributions of a wide variety of skills. There was a vision provided that allowed for the honing of those abilities to work together for a greater purpose. To overcome any seemingly greater adversity they consistently returned to that vision with a renewal of encouragement for those making those contributions. Belief in those who were with them allowed for a successful and extremely profitable outcome. The walk we’ve been raised to in Christ is one with a great destination and purpose. There is an experience of an abundant and prosperous life not just for us, but for many who will desire to walk with us. It may initially seem, though, that we are far outnumbered in this venture. The wickedness of the world may appear to overshadow, especially if we are setting out alone. Jesus said in Matthew 7 that this is how it would appear, with the way of destruction being the popular one that many are taking. As Elisha’s servant discovered, however, you can’t just go by outward appearances. When it comes to sides, there are more of God’s forces with us than those who are against us. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4) We are more than conquerors in all things. (Romans 8:37) When we are providing and receiving the supply of the Spirit as part of His temple and body, we become a force that the very gates of hell will not be able to hold back. (Matthew 16:18) No matter how ominous the world around us may appear with overwhelming division, strife, and lawlessness, there is a walk of love for us that will be triumphant for God’s glory. Notes Raised to Walk Romans 6:4 (NKJV) 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. The walk will not seem to be popular/easy Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT) 13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Can’t go by appearances 2 Kings 6:15-17 (NLT) 15 When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha. 16 “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” 17 Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. As part of His establishment – will walk fearlessly Isaiah 54:14 (NKJV) 14 In righteousness you shall be established; You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; And from terror, for it shall not come near you. What has He established? To be in Him is to never be alone/overcome John 16:32-33 (NKJV) 32 Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Established together in Him for the fearless walk of love Ephesians 4:12-15 (TLB) 12 Why is it that he gives us these special abilities to do certain things best? It is that God’s people will be equipped to do better work for him, building up the Church, the body of Christ, to a position of strength and maturity; 13 until finally we all believe alike about our salvation and about our Savior, God’s Son, and all become full-grown in the Lord—yes, to the point of being filled full with Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different or has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth. 15 (15-16) Instead, we will lovingly follow the truth at all times—speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly—and so become more and more in every way like Christ who is the Head of his body, the Church. Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly, and each part in its own special way helps the other parts, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Overwhelming what was once intimidating Matthew 16:18 (AMPC) 18 And I tell you, you are Peter [Greek, Petros–a large piece of rock], and on this rock [Greek, petra–a huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it]. In Him we become a living stone in the sanctuary of His invincible presence. 1 Peter 2:5 (TPT) 5 Come and be his “living stones” who are continually being assembled into a sanctuary for God. For now you serve as holy priests, offering up spiritual sacrifices that he readily accepts through Jesus Christ. Overview: We’ve been raised with Christ to walk in triumph over a world that can seem to in overwhelming darkness. This walk will not be the popular one as fewer find it than the wicked walk of the world. Natural appearances do not reflect the actual greater number that includes angels on our side. God has established for us to walk without fear of terror and free of oppression. Though there may be a smaller number of people, we are never separated from the Source of our victory. Our strength and safety lie in the unity we have together in Him, growing together in a perfect love that casts out all fear. As living stones we are fitted together as His sanctuary for a purpose the forces of darkness cannot hold back. Prayer: Father, as I access Your very presence by the blood of the Lamb, cause me to walk in unity with You and Your body in a righteousness that is free of worldly intimidation and a powerful force for Your glory. As I am committed to what You have established allow me to be part of a perfect forming of Your invincible temple. Declarations: I have risen with Christ to walk in victory with Him and His body. As I walk this path of righteousness, I become a part of what He has established in love for His glory. Instead of being impressed and affected by the wickedness of the world, I impress and affect it as a part of heaven’s overwhelming force. I am continually being formed and perfected as a living stone in a structure that exalts and glorifies God in power and invincibility.