1 Corinthians 15:56-58 (TPT)
It is sin that gives death its sting and the law that gives sin its power. But we thank God for giving us the victory as conquerors through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. So now, beloved ones, stand firm and secure. Live your lives with an unshakable confidence. We know that we prosper and excel in every season by serving the Lord, because we are assured that our union with the Lord makes our labor productive with fruit that endures.
I choose to believe this is true in my life. In all areas, in every area, in every season, I prosper and excel by serving the Lord. Serving is believing, having faith, trusting, abiding (like Mary in the presence of Jesus), worshiping and praising. Wow. This is truth!!! Lord, come on! I prosper and excel in every season.
This is excellence, not the world’s definition, not the world’s measure, BUT GOD SAYS, I prosper and excel in every season by serving the Lord because we are assured that our union with the Lord makes our labor productive with fruit that endures. The real fruit, the good fruit, the true fruit, not the crummy, gets burned up and rots fruit. Wow Lord!
Verse 58 says, Live your lives with an unshakeable confidence. That’s my heart’s desire Lord, unshakeable! Verse 58 (personalized) So now, Beth, stand firm and secure. Live your life with an unshakeable confidence. I know that I prosper and excel in every season by serving the Lord, because I am assured that my union with the Lord makes my labor productive with fruit that endures! Come on Lord!!!
The ramifications of this are enormous. Beyond what I can think or imagine. The truth is that no matter what is going on, no matter where I am, no matter what things look like in the natural, I am assured that my union with you makes my labor productive with fruit that endures.
Enduring fruit is not the stuff that the world points to. Enduring fruit is my marriage that is unified in Christ. Enduring fruit is the provision that surpasses my needs constantly and the blessings that I am able to pour out constantly to others. Enduring fruit is the truth that pours from my lips from my union with you. Enduring fruit is the miraculous that I witness and testify about to glorify you. Enduring fruit is the peace that surpasses understanding. Enduring fruit is joy in the mess. Enduring fruit is Love, even when it hurts. Enduring fruit is my relationship with you. Enduring fruit is the man of God you entrusted us to raise up as a glory to you. Enduring fruit is the truth revealed in every opportunity you give me. Enduring fruit. It is not strive for, try hard, do right, work, work, work. It is know you, love you, trust you, be still, believe, have faith and more faith, be stretched by you to become the me that you created me to be. It is beautiful. Enduring fruit.
And you say it is in EVERY season. Even when it hurts. Even when it’s messy. Even when it doesn’t feel good. Even when. Then I know, in EVERY season, I prosper and excel. It is remarkable, incredible and so like you Lord, to make it this good. I can have peace knowing you well. I can have peace in my place with you. I can have peace believing what you say is true and it is true for me in every situation, in every interaction, in every single bit of my days.
Breathing. It is my reminder that you are here. That I am where you have me and it is good. That you are for me and not against me. That you see me and you know me and you love me still. That you are pleased, not about me doing, but about me being with you.
Thank you Lord.
God (G) – I feast with you in the presence of your enemies.
Beth (B) – (I recognized His words from Psalm 23 and reply) I will fear no evil. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in your house forever.
What say you Lord?
G – I am well pleased. The digger. Keep digging. I want you unearthing the plenty in my word, the treasures, the gems and I want your heart to receive all the truth and all the life and all the new. Keep digging. It is more than enough for you. You are full, overflowing with life, my life bubbling up and overflowing. You are enough. Enjoy. And Rest in me. Enjoy. Joy. Laugh and laugh more, louder. Smile and enjoy. I love you.
Excerpt from Loving and Faithful