I read a quote recently which said, "Reality holds up the standard of what is, while truth lifts the banner of what could be".
"Reality encourages us to accept what is as the way things will always be. However, the revelation of truth awakens the hope of something so much more". (Lisa Bevere)
Our reality does and will change because it adapts to surroundings, culture and situation.
Whereas truth stands unmoved by any of these influences and is faithful, honest, full of integrity and a foundation on which we can stand steady in a volatile and constantly changing world.
Jesus challenges people's realities all the time – you were blind, but now you see. He raised the dead, healed the sick, set the oppressed free, restored dignity to peoples lives, challenged and shifted mindsets about the place of women, acknowledged and blessed the children. He did not allow someone's sickness, brokenness, status or worth to remain their reality if it did not line up with the truth of Gods will and plan for their lives.
People's negative reality suddenly became unstable in the presence of His absolute truth. The moment His presence walked down the road or into a room, everything did and still does change.
But the truth demands us to make a decision rather than accept some of the realities we face.
People everywhere are discouraged and afraid. They don't know what to believe anymore. There's been the lie that," this is it, this is who you are, this is what is acceptable, and the world's just like that".
Yet wisdom calls loudly and encourages us to refuse to accept a flawed reality and challenges us to rise above the status quo, fear and negativity and to believe, speak and act differently. (Proverbs 8 9-7)
The question is whether we will settle for what is before us or choose to believe and change the reality of what we face when it does not agree with what God says in His Word? (Which is we are forgiven, free, and delivered from fear, sickness, pain, addiction, and lack.)
Today imagine what you could do if you resolved to walk with Jesus, chose to believe His word and what He has done, who He says you are, what is possible, and then shared it with all you meet. That you chose to make that your new reality? Imagine it, for you might change the world if you do!
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2)
"Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand". (Isaiah 41:10)
"Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun". ( 2 Cor 5:17)
Prayer: Lord, please help me stand for truth rather than settle for a life far from what you have planned for me. Would you please help me see myself as you do and begin to challenge those things in and around me that do not agree with your will and plan? Please awaken hope in me for a better future. In Jesus name Amen