One word can have huge impact. For example: Stop! That’s a powerful word. Your toddler is running along and hears the shout from your heart – “STOP!” Immediately (hopefully) the child freezes and the car goes whizzing by. A tragedy averted though four simple letters strung together, birthed from the heart and amplified through the air.
Recently, a five letter shout pierced my spirit as I heard my heavenly Daddy cry out – “ABIDE!” It caught me up short and I knew I had no place to run except to His Word. I found 1John 2:27. “Now as for you, the anointing that you received from him resides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things, it is true and is not a lie. Just as it has taught you, you reside in him.”
Through this passage Daddy reminded me that HIS Spirit dwells in me. HIS Spirit IS the anointing, therefore, He is continually guiding, leading, teaching, speaking, guarding and doing oh, so much more in me, for me, and through me.
I looked up “abide” in the dictionary and the words that resonated with me were “Remain, stay, wait, endure and sustain.” He then brought one line from the warrior passage in Ephesians 6 to mind, “…and after you have done everything to stand. Stand firm then…” That’s when His power packed 5 letter shout allowed me to see the car whizzing by.
Do you see it too?
When you don’t know what else to do – ABIDE. STAND. STAND FIRM. REMAIN. STAY. WAIT. ENDURE. SUSTAIN. ABIDE.
Do you see it now? Sometimes when we are fighting a battle, we are not suppose to advance, but rather stop. Abide.
There’s lots to do in abiding, like tightening up the buckle of Truth, repositioning righteousness (Hint: it’s you that needs to be reminded of your position of righteousness cuz HIS righteousness doesn’t shift), dusting off the sandals of peace, securing the helmet of salvation, believing your shield has got all that assaults you AND praying continually. unceasingly. Without stopping. Abidingly pray. Ultimately all He wants is for us to trust Him. Triumph happens when we pause and reposition our gaze on Him.
I believe a few of my “Sister’s” needed to hear Daddy’s heart today. He’s shouting out, “ABIDE!” What amazes me is that your response will bring forth the victory! All you need to do is STOP.