If you knew me, you would know this.
I'm an artist so I feel things in ways that not everyone does. Plus, movies help me escape. And because of this: I often put myself in whatever movie I'm watching. And the result of that: I learn a lot about myself or I learn more of who I want to become.
Today I watched, "Penelope" (with Christina Ricci & James McAvoy). I adore this movie but haven't seen it in some time. And today, one line stood out in particular as the Lord has me on a journey of studying an aspect of Himself. Here's the line: "It's not the power of the curse, it's the power you give the curse."
I was recently reading a blog in which a man was sharing how this is a particular issue in the Church in today's society: We forget that Christ died and rose again to break the power that sin has over us. How often do we as believers walk through our days acting and believing as if we are defeated? Acting and believing as if we are powerless to that which Christ has already conquered?
It's time that we stopped living a defeated life. Yes, we will always battle sin. I believe that some people struggle with certain sins over others. And yes, we do not wrestle with flesh and blood but principalities of darkness... but we also are given a sword to fight with: the Word of God. And prayer. "... and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times..." (Ephesians 6:17-18b)
John Piper in his book, "When I Don't Desire God: How to Fight for Joy" has some stellar words on this topic:
"The devil is conquered wherever his design to devour faith is defeated. That defeat is by the cross of Christ and the Word of God."
"If Jesus was Himself the Word of God and could command demons so that they obey Him, and yet He depended on Scripture to deflect the temptations of the devil, so should we."
If we take Christ seriously with our salvation: should we also not take Him seriously when it comes to the reason why He died and rose again for us? Or was the particular sin you struggle with too much for Christ's death and resurrection to handle? I think not. I know not.
May we ever have an increasing desire for His word and His sword for more than just feel-good, self esteem motives. But beg Him to conquer that which Satan and his crew use to drag us down and away from Christ.
"That you may know what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might that He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand... far able all rule and authority and power and dominion..." Ephesians 1:19-21 (paraphrased)
