When I read this verse recently, it reminded me that God has given us such wonderful instructions. There are four right here in this verse, and I think they are very applicable to our current situation.
Keep alert. We want to be vigilant. We don’t want our circumstances to give the devil a foothold in our thinking. This reminds me of another verse from 1 Peter 5:8. “Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour.” (NRSV)
Stand firm in your faith. In 2 Timothy 1:13, we read, “Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (NRSV) We want to hold on to the truths that God gives us in His word. That will help us stand.
Be courageous. If we are to be courageous, we have to cast away fear. 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love.” (NRSV) Part of being courageous is using what God has given us, His Holy Spirit and prayer. “Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18 (NRSV)
Be strong. Ephesians 6:10-17 tells us how we can be strong. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” What a great picture this represents.
When I write my books, I like to put my characters into situations that force them to confront their beliefs and help them rely on God to find their way in their troubled circumstances. I always hope that my readers will find things in my stories that will bring them closer to God and strengthen their faith.
Today is release day for Second Chance Love. Last month I talked a little about how I came to write this story. My hero and heroine have to be courageous and strong in their faith to overcome the past and find love again. I hope you’ll look for the book at these retailers.
Since a lot of you may be reading more, I’m giving away an ebook copy of Four Little Blessings. Tap on the word Book Funnel to get your copy. The giveaway is good through May 2, 2020.
Blessings and happy reading,
Merrillee
Merrillee Whren is an award-winning author who writes inspirational romance. She is the winner of the 2003 Golden Heart Award for best inspirational romance manuscript presented by Romance Writers of America. She has also been the recipient of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award and the Maggie Award for Excellence. She is married to her own personal hero, her husband of thirty plus years, and has two grown daughters. She has lived in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Florida but now makes her home in the Arizona desert. When she’s not writing, she spends her free time playing tennis or walking while she does the plotting for her novels.
Hi Merrill’s! Thanks for the encouraging blog during this unprecedented time. Congrats on your new release. Best wishes. Stay safe.
Thank you for Four Little Blessings. I can’t wait to read it!
Thank you so much for the beautiful reminder to stay strong in our faith these days! And for the book!
Thanks, Merrillee! I enjoyed Four Little Blessings when you first released it. It’s a fun story!
Great reminder!! Thank you for Four Little Blessings, and Congratulations on your new book!! It sounds really good!
Renate, thanks and you’re welcome.
Lori, you’re welcome.
Valerie, thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Trudy, thanks and you’re welcome.
Paula Marie, you’re welcome. I hope you enjoy the book.
What a lovely post! Four Little Blessings is a treat to read. I’m sure all the readers here at Inspy Romance will love it! Heading over to Amazon to look more at your new book! Congrats!!
Thanks, Sally.
Congratulations on your new release and thank you for book Four Little Blessings.
Yes. Verses can be a real comfort, they are almost like receiving post cards from God in times of need.
I also like Jon 16:33 – I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart. I have overcome the world.
And Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous? Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you may go. Our church taught the Joshua song to children when our kids were young & it is one that comes to mind frequently, with the melody. :D
Thank you, Merrillee. It is good to know that God’s love transforms us and enables us to be all these things you have shared. What a gift. Congratulations on your new release.
Penelope, thanks and you’re welcome. Thank you for sharing those verses. They are good ones.
Lincoln, you’re welcome and thanks. God’s word is truly a gift.
Happy Book Release Day!
Happy Release Day. Blessings
Wonderful post and your book looks equally wonderful!
Thanks, Denise.
Thanks, Lelia.
Thanks, Deb.