The Purpose of the Baggage
Is the Baggage of the Old Man Satan's Stronghold or God's Gift to Keep You Near?
Have you ever felt like the baggage of your past is weighing you down, holding you back from experiencing true freedom and peace? Is that baggage and residue from the old man, who has been crucified on the cross, Satan's stronghold to keep you miserable, or is it God's way of drawing you near to Him?
Embracing the New Life
In the book of Galatians, the apostle Paul talks about how the old man has been crucified with Christ, and we have been given a new life in Him. If the Lord had gotten rid of all our baggage and residue, Paul believed that we would probably think we could serve the Lord perfectly. However, by leaving some of that baggage in our lives, the Lord keeps us dependent on Him, drawing us closer to His heart every day.
Overcoming Weaknesses
What is your baggage? Is it insecurity, worthlessness, rejection, or sickness? Instead of letting these things hold you back, why not step out in faith and allow God to move through you? When we trust in the dead old man who was crucified on the cross, we may experience anxiety and trouble in our lives. But remember, we have been crucified with Christ and given a new nature in Him. We cannot improve our flesh on our own; we must rely on His strongholds in our lives to give us strength and grace moment by moment.
Becoming Dependent on Him
Yes, the Lord can remove strongholds in our lives, but He often chooses to leave some to keep us dependent on Him. By doing so, we are reminded that we can do all things through Him who gives us strength. Just as Paul boasted in his weaknesses, we can also find joy in our imperfections, knowing that it is through them that we are drawn near to the Lord each day.
Trusting in His Grace
In I Corinthians 12:5-10, Paul talks about a thorn in his flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet him. Despite pleading with the Lord to remove it, God's response was clear: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." By trusting in His grace and strength, we can overcome any stronghold in our lives and experience true freedom in Him.
Are You Ready to Let Go?
So, what is holding you back today? Is it time to let go of the baggage and residue from the past and embrace the new life that God has given you? Instead of trying to perfect yourself in your own strength, why not rely on His grace and power to carry you through each day?
Why was Jesus in the Wilderness?
In the Bible, we read about Jesus spending 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness. But have you ever wondered why he chose to go into such a desolate place? The wilderness represents a place of separation, isolation, and dependence on God alone. It is a place where distractions are removed, and our focus is solely on our relationship with God.
The Purpose of the Wilderness
God often drives us into the wilderness so that we can draw closer to Him. In the wilderness, we are stripped of the familiar and comfortable surroundings that we rely on. We are forced to rely on God for sustenance and guidance. Just as Jesus fasted and relied on the spirit of God for 40 days, we too must learn to feed on His word and His presence during our times of wilderness.
The Temptation in the Wilderness
After Jesus spent 40 days feeding on the wisdom of God in the wilderness, Satan came to tempt Him. This serves as a reminder that even in our times of closeness to God, we will face spiritual battles. The enemy will try to distract us, deceive us, and lead us astray. However, just as Jesus overcame Satan's temptations with the power of God's word, we too can overcome any temptation that comes our way.
The Unholy Trinity of Sin, Satan, and the World
The wilderness is a place where we confront our weaknesses and struggles. It confronts the unholy trinity of sin, Satan, and the world. In the wilderness, we see the natural desires that live within us, the sickness that dwells in our bodies, and the emotions that often cloud our minds. It is a place of testing and refining, where we learn to surrender our will to God's will.
Finding Strength in Weakness
As the Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, "Therefore, I will gladly boast in my infirmities so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I enjoy infirmities, reproaches, needs, persecutions, and distresses for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." In our times of weakness and vulnerability, we can find strength in the power of Christ. We learn to rely on His grace and His strength to carry us through.
Conclusion
The wilderness experience is a crucial part of our spiritual journey. It is a time of testing, refining, and growth. Just as Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness to prepare for His ministry, we too must be willing to go through times of isolation and dependence on God. It is in the wilderness that we learn to rely on His strength, to overcome temptation, and to draw closer to Him. So, embrace your wilderness seasons and allow God to work in and through you.
by: Traci Morin
