What is it to us whether it is Friday the 13th or not, when we are in Christ?
What is it to us who is against us, when God is for us?
What is it to us what happens in the future, when the future is in God’s hands?

 So what are we going to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that is created. (Romans 8:31, 38-39, CEB)

We are only a week from Good Friday but already people are forgetting the power of the cross. It does not matter what day of the year it is, the resurrection power is in effect. The very same power is at work in our lives that raised Christ from the dead.

I pray that the eyes of your heart will have enough light to see what is the hope of God’s call, what is the richness of God’s glorious inheritance among believers, and what is the overwhelming greatness of God’s power that is working among us believers. This power is conferred by the energy of God’s powerful strength. God’s power was at work in Christ when God raised him from the dead and sat him at God’s right side in the heavens, far above every ruler and authority and power and angelic power, any power that might be named not only now but in the future. (Eph. 1: 18-21, CEB, emphasis added)

All the promises of God are valid even today. All the powers of darkness and death were defeated when Christ was resurrected. The blood of Christ does not fail. We are secured in Christ. There is no evil that can get into our soul.

But we are not to be stupid but wise.
We are not to be careless but thoughtful.
We are not to be unprepared but alert and ready.

We are to abide in God.
We are to put on God’s armor.
We are to pray unceasingly.

Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and his powerful strength. Put on God’s armor so that you can make a stand against the tricks of the devil. We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens. Therefore, pick up the full armor of God so that you can stand your ground on the evil day and after you have done everything possible to still stand.So stand with the belt of truth around your waist, justice as your breastplate, and put shoes on your feet so that you are ready to spread the good news of peace. Above all, carry the shield of faith so that you can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. (Eph. 6: 10-17, CEB)

But when we are one with God….what is death to us? Nothing.
When we are in Christ….what are troubles for us? Nothing.
When we are in the Spirit…what is Friday the 13th to us? Nothing.

Whenever I am in deep trouble,
    you make me live again;
    you send your power against my enemies’ wrath;
    you save me with your strong hand.
The Lord will do all this for my sake.
Your faithful love lasts forever, Lord!
(Psalm 138: 7-8, CEB)

 

Gracious God,
Thank you for preserving us.
Thank you that nothing can separate us from you.
Thank you for protecting us.
Thank you that nothing stands in the way of your purpose.
Thank you for preparing us.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: How do you feel about Friday the 13th?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you boldly live out your faith every day of your life!

Image courtesy of Chris Kennedy. Linking up today with Faith Filled Friday.