Be Established

If you’ve ever been on a roller coaster, you’ve experienced various movements that want to shatter the feeling of being established on good ‘ole terra firma. Some folks enjoy the partially suspended feeling as they sore up and then down, maneuvering through sharp curves, finally coming to a point of rest. There are others who prefer to continue walking, established on a firm foundation of earth, skipping the sharp ups and downs. I’m one of those folks, so no roller coasters thank you.

There are, however, many believers who spend a lot of their time and energy on the Christian roller coaster. What is that you ask? It’s where they start out in faith excited about what Jesus has done but soon get worn out, tossed back and forth through teaching that makes them feel they have to do more to earn what Jesus has already freely given them. They can be up one week and then fighting discouragement the next, and even questioning their faith.

I believe for the most part they haven’t become established in faith. They have shallow roots because there hasn’t been teaching to show them how they are a victorious overcomer. If you’ve suffered in this way, I believe these scriptures will encourage and strengthen you. The word of His grace will set you free.

Colossians 2:7-8 NKJV encourages all of us. “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”

You quickly see the practical ways to establish yourself in the faith. Walk In Him. It’s not by your power that you live this life. It is the power of God within you. Galatians 2:20 reminds you “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” You won’t be able to experience freedom if you live the Christian life in your own strength. It’s Christ In You, your hope of glory and transformation (Colossians 1:27).

Also note the importance of being rooted in Christ and built up in Him. Just as a seedling won’t thrive into a strong plant without rooting it in the proper nourishment, so you can’t thrive and grow in your faith without continual spiritual feeding. I think that’s why Hebrews shares a great truth for this step. Hebrews 13:9 NKJV says “For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace.” Grace is the key to having your heart established. You believe from your heart (not your head), and when your heart is established in God’s grace and love, you find a grounding, a settling that establishes you, causing you to grow continually in all that God has for you.

What happens if your heart isn’t established in grace? You’ll be subject to the rules and laws of man, always trying to find justification, sanctification, and joy in the things you do. Granted if you do, you’ll find only temporary satisfaction without lasting results. Establishing yourself in grace is receiving the promises of God’s Word, getting them into your heart, believing His Word is true, and operating in that truth. It’s making the Word practical in your life. It is relying on what Jesus has purchased for you and living from that reality. It’s living from the inside out.

You’ll see the truth and reality which Paul told Peter in 2 Peter 1:2-3 NASB: “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”

What better time than this month to look ahead and prepare for a wonderful New Year with an established, thriving life in God’s goodness and grace.

Yes, it’s time for you to be established. Exciting times are ahead.