Rev. E. Anderson
ADVANTAGE
This is a very good word that carries a great deal of choice meaning. It is a state of existence and experience that most people like to be situated in with regard to certain circumstances and conditions. It is known that if they can obtain a place of advantage it could turn to their good and profit.
The word is defined as ‘favourable condition or circumstance; a consideration superadded to one going before, and giving it increased force’. Whilst be fitted and suited with excellent gifts and abilities it is most helpful to be put into a position at the outset where such can be used to fullest possibility and so the end result is one big success story.
In motor racing, for instance, the day prior to the all-important race, the drivers have to fight it out on the circuit day before on who is going to get the pole situation prior to start off the contest next day. That first place on the grid ready for take off is known as a crucial spot and is of supreme advantage. Besides having a good car, there is the great need to be at the head of the line ready for commencement. When this has been gained then it must serve for a quick off which puts an individual into a commanding lead to begin. If used to fullest effect then it can inspire to winning of the competition.
God always is in the advantaged place by reason of who He and His infinite capabilities. As the eternal One with sovereign wisdom and power He is in pole situation and will always hold it in everything at all times. Those who are joined up with Him in a vibrant relationship will also know the delight of being advantaged in life. As a consequence, this must be employed and serve to highest good and ends.
He called a man, Moses, when he was in a long period of defeat and failure to occupy a principal place and in the driving seat so that he might benefit His people who were in a condition of hopelessness. Israel were in a seemingly no win situation, a victim of oppression, slaves to a dominant force and there appeared to be no way out of this awful negativity and victimisation. Someone or something was required who could secure an advantage spot and role and bring them out into a wholly plus state. In his divine call and equipping by the Almighty, he was set up by God to head and lead a nation into freedom, statehood and sovereignty amongst the nations of his day.
Throughout the Old Testament history it is possible view and study God doing this again and again in and through individuals, both men and women. Joshua, Moses’ successor was given pole position which was used to glorious gain as he led the people to possess the land of Canaan. See the book of Joshua. Because a Ruth was ready to put her confidence in Israel’s God she also knew what it was to hold pole position and came through rather successfully. David was another that found God giving a head start and so led him on to conquest and kingship. He knew that God had secured him in a favourable place and God could and did trust him to exploit it to His glory and everyone’s blessedness. The same could be said for others in that age of time.
But it has to be recognised and sensed that God has situated a Christian with untold advantages in and through Christ. It can be stated without doubt, that are placed in pole position with Him and so have to exercise it to great gain. He has not only secured their release from Satan and sin’s slavery and self’s domination, He has graced with a new nature, inspiration, power and purpose so that life can be lived with a fresh, divine vibrancy and victory. Paul wrote inspiringly, ‘In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us’ and ‘Now thanks be to God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ’ – Romans 8: 3; 2 Corinthians 2: 14. One need not be scared or afraid of life, the evil one or all the forces of evil, because Christ has placed the Christian believer in an invincible position.
Learn to see who you are and where you have been divinely placed in life with Christ and maximise on this favoured placement. You can suoeradd to both as you constantly allow the vision God continually to feed your mind and heart and draw upon the immense spiritual resources that are now yours because you are lined up and linked with Christ.
‘The greatest force for making people bigger and better than they are now is the belief in your heart and mine that they have infinite potential for growth. Even when they fail us, we are to continue to carry and express the mental image of what they may become. To have someone believe in you, even when you fail, is the most blessed and creative force in the universe’ - Dunningham
PROMISE
‘The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits’ – Daniel 11: 32
PRAYER
Help me to see the place Lord that you have won and obtained for me and use it to greatest good and for your honour and glory
