You have probably heard the expression: “like water off a ducks back”? People use this to refer to hurtful words and the treatment we sometimes receive from others. With a brave face we will often say, ah, that didn’t hurt me; I just brushed it off: “like water off a ducks back. When ducks get out of water you notice that the water never penetrates their feathers, it just slides right off. 

As Christians, what should be our defense when things come against us? Well, first and foremost we need to know who we are in Christ. If we are secure in that relationship then: “no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper” (Isa 54:17). You need to search the word and see who you are and what you have in Christ. The bible says that in him you are more than a conqueror (Rom 8:37), you are a son or daughter of God (Gal 3:26), nothing can separate you from God’s love (Ro 8:39), you can do all things in God’s strength (Phil 4:13) and all God’s promises are yes and amen (2 Cor: 20).

Jesus was so confident in his relationship with his heavenly Father that he could wash his disciple’s feet (John13:3-15). He could deal with the opposition and hatred of the leaders he confronted and: “for the joy that was set before him”, could go to the cross (Heb 12:2). Paul in all His persecution and suffering could say: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil 4:13). Look to Jesus (Heb 12:2) and all the buffeting and opposition will not penetrate you but will just slide away: “like water off a ducks back”.

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"And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not" Isa 58:11 (KJV). What a wonderful verse.

If you are looking to God for direction in your life right now, then be assured that he is continually guiding you. Keep trusting and he will "direct thy paths" (Prov 3:4-6). If you feel like you are in a spiritual drought then be encouraged because the Lord will satisfy you. This verse reminds me of Isa 27:3 which says that God is the keeper of the vineyard and he waters it moment by moment. Isaiah says we will be like a watered garden and you know what that means - we will grow and mature and produce fruit. You may not feel like you are producing any good fruit right now but keep letting God water you through the word, stay in faith and patience and you will see the harvest. Not only that but this verse also says we will be like a spring of water which never runs dry. This is very similar to John 7:38 which tells us that SPRINGS OF WATER will flow continuously from our innermost being. Verse 37 tells us what to do to enable this to happen - go to Jesus and drink. Spending time with the master and in his word, will cause us to get well and truly watered and cause the run off to affect the lives of others.

"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." (Psalm 119:165 KJV).

Peace of mind can be an elusive state to pursue. God told us that the peace he gives us is so very different from anything the world has to offer (John 14:27). The peace the world talks about is usually a very transient state, experienced when circumstances and situations around us allow us a time of tranquility. The peace God gives us is a state of inner peace and well-being in Christ, when we rest in him regardless of the turmoil around us.

Jesus said, "come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt 11:28). Jesus goes on to tell us to take his yoke and learn from him (Matt 11:28-30). In being yoked to Jesus, he bears the load and we can walk in his promises (Psalm 23:2-3).

How do we walk in God's peace and cease striving in our own strength? In Isaiah 26:3, we are told we can have perfect peace if we stay our minds on God and trust him. How do we "stay our minds on him"? Well, we need to immerse ourselves in his word and let it renew our minds (Rom 12:2). As we spend time with God in praise, worship and meditating scripture; inner peace, stillness and tranquility return. God doesn't bring confusion (1 Cor 14:33), he brings peace and a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7). When Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on the water, his eyes were initially fixed on the author of peace (Matt 15:28-29). Peter lost his peace when he lost focus and saw the turmoil around him. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the word, and let peace reign in the storms of life. Jesus can quell the storms (Mark 4:39).

Please watch the promotional video for our book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”, which you can find at our web site: www.onthewayinlove.com 

As Christians we are not immune to problems and challenges (John 16:33) but in John 16:33, Jesus said that we should not worry as he had overcome the world. The things that come against us are situations, circumstances and the hostile opposition of people.

It is important to know that people are not our problem, the warfare we face is a spiritual one: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph 6:12; KJV).

Our problems come from satan he comes:  “to steal and to kill and to destroy” (John 10:10). He may try to use people to do this. You must know that satan is a defeated foe; Jesus wrought victory over satan through his death and resurrection. (Col 2:15; 1Cor 15:57). We share in that victory as children of God (1 John 3:1).

Luke tells us that we have power (authority) over all the works of the enemy (satan; Luke 10:19). Satan tries to intimidate us but he has no power or authority (1 Peter 5:8).

 However, we need to assert our victory (James 4:7). God has given us spiritual armor to do this (Eph 6:13-17) and the armor of Ephesians comes down largely to faith in God’s word and knowing our authority. God’s word has the answer to every issue of life. We resist satan by believing and speaking the word that is relevant to the challenge we face, in Jesus name (Mark 11:22-24). For example, if we face sickness, we speak God’s word that says we are healed (Eg:1 Peter 2:24).

We can walk in the authority of Jesus over all the works of darkness (Matt 28:18-20); believe it, use it, walk in victory today.   

 “Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness” (Luke 3:2-3; KJV). John the Baptist lived in the desert until he was physically and spiritually mature (Luke 1:8) and only then did he start his ministry.

God has times and seasons for all of our lives (Eccl 3:1; Acts 1:7). He has a plan for all of our lives (Jer 29:11). We need to spend time with God to know his plan and discern the seasons he has for us.

We need to guard against trying to help God out by having our own timelines and ideas as to how things should be done. Abraham and Sarah got impatient waiting for a son and decided to get a son by Hagar, Sarah’s maid. This only created trouble and anxiety for them but God’s miracle planning gave them the son of his choice and allowed God to establish the lineage for our saviour, Jesus (Gen 16 and 21).

Jesus was in ministry for just 3 years, starting when he was about 30 (Luke 3:23). Paul was a highly trained Jewish Pharisee and persecuted the church of Jesus until God’s season for him (Acts 9). Paul’s entry into ministry was dramatic as he met with Jesus on the road to Damascus.

Would anyone question the impact of Jesus and Paul? It seems almost inconceivable to us that either of these two men above could or would have tried to do things by their own calendar.

We are not all called to full time ministry but we are all minsters of the gospel and God has plans for all of our lives. We need to be sure we hear from God and don’t run ahead, lag behind or get distracted. Flowing in God’s plan, timing and seasons brings peace and fulfillment. We need to hear from God and walk in trust and patience.

Please watch the promotional video for our book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”, which you can find at our web site: www.onthewayinlove.com 

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