I’ve always been surprised by the power of certain small words of the Bible. Words, like “but” or “must” are scattered throughout – they pack a powerful punch! It’s real easy to blow by them when you’re reading, but slowing down to notice them might just change your life dramatically. (Did you notice the small, powerful word in the last sentence?)

The book of Proverbs is full of wisdom, much pivoting on two small words: “But” and “Then.”  Notice how the writer uses the powerful word “but” to set the stage for the book.

“They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. ³¹ Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes. ³² For simpletons turn away from me—to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency. ³³ But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”
Proverbs 1:30-33 (NLT)

As an advisor it is common for me to meet people after the fact, having failed to heed the Godly wisdom found in Proverbs, now in the midst of suffering the consequences –  “the bitter fruit of living their own way” – trying to figure a way out. If they had just paid attention to the “but”…..

I’m guilty! I can certainly say that I have fallen victim to charging forward in my own way many, many times. Bitter fruit, though a great teacher, tastes awful.

I’ve learned that failing to slow down and notice these small words can lead to painful situations or cause me to miss out on wonderful blessings.

Proverbs chapters 2 and 3 are laced with the small, powerful word – “Then” – the second half of God sized “If-Then” statements. You may be shocked by the promises when you read them. Have you slowed down to notice them before? Take a few minutes to read through these chapters and circle the word “Then” as you go. Ask yourself, “Am I experiencing this blessing?” If not, look back to find the “If” statement and ask yourself what you could do to improve. Here’s an example:

If I “Honor the Lord with [my] your wealth and with the best part of everything [I] you produce.¹⁰ Then he will fill [my] your barns with grain, and [my] your vats will overflow with good wine.”
Proverbs 3:9-10 (NLT)

Are your barns full with grain? If not, how could you honor the Lord in a greater way? Personally, I have come to understand the soundness of this wisdom. Releasing control of your finances to God is a vital aspect of the “Travel Light!” plan I describe in my book, “Unlock Your Life, 5 Steps and a Jump to Living the Adventure God Made Your For”. Taking this step of faith will change your life.

One of the most powerful uses of “Then” is in Ephesians. The Apostole Paul, having encountered the immensity of God, pours out his soul for us, asking God to give us “inner strength” through the power of his Spirit…“If only each of us could gain such inner strength, Then……”

If ”When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, ¹⁵ the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. ¹⁶ I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. ¹⁷ Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. ¹⁸ And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. ¹⁹ May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”
The Apostle Paul Epesians 3:15-19 (NLT)

Are you experiencing the “fullness of life and power that comes from God”?

I pray you are, but, I find that many, perhaps most, of us are missing out on this, void of such fullness.

Why does fulfillment seem so evasive?

Go back and check your “If’s”….what’s preventing you from receving the inner strength and power to understand that Paul wants so badly for us? Our enemy, crafty and evil to the bone. He does not want us to feel the fullness of life…and certainly not the power of the Lord. It goes against everything he stands for. Jesus was well aware of this.

”The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”
Jesus Christ in John 10:10 (NLT)

Paul fell to his knees and prayed to God, our creator and Father of Jesus Christ, for us. He saw both the ominous battle and the overwhelming glory of God. He knew that deep, heart felt, “all in” prayer was required to overcome the enemy and receive the fullness of life that only God himself could provide. Our enemy is too strong and tricky for us to handle alone. His intereference makes us think the world can provide us with deep fulfillment. Look around, see his deception? As Paul demonstrated, we have to shift to the spiritual realm to win this battle.

Is it time to fall to your knees and ask to be empowered with inner strength? The power to understand the incredible extent of God’s love?

Let the small words of the Bible move you toward God. The Mission Curve™ Process leads you into deeper intimacy with God, the source of wisdom and your ultimate guide into the Adventure God Made You For. Let’s talk.

Go to www.bobblackcoaching.com to schedule a free consultation.