A Blessed and Empowered Life

May. 9, 2018 | By Creflo Dollar

As children, many of us most likely had big plans and dreams about what we wanted to be when we grew up. Now that we are grown up, however, our perspective may have changed. As adults, life might seem a bit challenging or even intimidating because of things we now know that we were blissfully unaware of when we were younger. Despite any negative experiences we might have had, there’s no reason not to fully expect blessed and empowered lives in Christ.

As believers, we have a tremendous advantage over others who don’t know Jesus. We’ve been given everything we could ever possibly need to live awesome lives. “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3). Regardless of the messages we get from the world, we know the truth about our true spiritual identities. We’re made complete and whole through our relationship with God, not through any earthly relationship.

The knowledge of this grounds us solidly with every friendship we form, and helps us keep our perspective when dating. Our relationship with God is important when we get bombarded by messages that don’t line up with His Word. Happiness and joy come from God, who wants to direct and guide us in this area. “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22, NKJV). When we defer to Him instead of being stubborn and headstrong, the results are always positive.

Each of us has an assignment from God. It’s important that we learn what it is so that we can properly fulfill it. Surrounding ourselves with the right kind of people keeps us focused, but associating with ungodly people can lead us down the wrong path and make us stumble. “Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character” (1 Corinthians 15:33, AMPC). God wants to bless our relationships, and He can do so when we spend time with morally upright people.

On our Christian walk we’ll encounter all kinds of influences, some of which are to be actively avoided. The enemy tries to plant the wrong kind of people in our path in hopes of leading us into a trap and shutting us down. If we’re not listening closely to the Holy Spirit’s warning, we can find ourselves ensnared in the wrong kind of relationship. “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God…” (2 Corinthians 6:14-16, NIV). Marrying someone who leads us away from the faith can mess up our minds, and it takes serious effort to get back on track.

God wants the best for us, whether it’s in the area of forming successful relationships or achieving our dreams. When we get our priorities in order, we put ourselves in a position to receive from Him. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Whatever blessings we experience come from God.

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