I started pondering that fact—what holds me back? I know the Word is powerful. I grew up in church, so I have a ton of verses readily available in the back of my mind, not to mention about five copies of scripture in various formats. Hey, I could still find Obadiah in under five seconds (thanks, Bible Drill!) I’m also relatively quick to pray. But I’m not quick to crack my Bible, and I wanted to figure out why. 

And I think it’s because my heart waffles on what my head knows is true. My head knows that Timothy had it right here: 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

And so did Peter. 

1 Peter 1:24-25 (ESV) …for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass.

The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

I knew and agreed in my head that scripture teaches and corrects us, is eternal, inerrant, and has a purpose—many purposes. But my heart was struggling to keep up with that truth.

Until recently. 

My husband and I are in a rough season, where we find ourselves praying a lot, Seeking God for direction, wisdom, and provision. Thankfully, our bad days rarely coincide, so we can take turns boosting each other’s faith in this area. (Sometimes, literally every other day!) 

But one day we crashed at the same time. It was a perfect storm of hormones (mostly me), exhaustion (mostly him), and discouragement. We were in more than a funk. We were in despair. I can’t even begin to describe the weight of the shadow hanging over us. Circumstances, sure, but also warfare. We sat on our back patio, talking a little, and my husband finally said he just wanted to chill out for a bit. Play the Wordle. Watch reels and disconnect for a while. Honestly, I did too, but…the words that came out of my mouth instead were “I think we should read scriptures on hope.” 

Hubby sighed but immediately opened his iPad and searched for verses on that topic. I sensed his discouragement. I felt it deep in my bones: ” Alright, but this probably won’t help.”

It reminds me of Peter being told to let down his net again after fishing all night with zero results. And Jesus watched as Peter obeyed, most likely with a knowing grin. 

We caught a hundred “fish” that morning on the patio. My husband wasn’t two sentences into a verse from Isaiah when his voice cracked and his eyes welled. Mine were quick to follow. He finished that verse. I croaked out “more.” He kept reading. Verse after verse after verse on hope. As he read, we could feel the weight lifting from our weary shoulders. Could see the shadows retreating. The light is pushing through. 

The atmosphere changed. Our hearts changed. 

We could breathe. 

Peace invaded. 

And that’s when I finally grasped the true meaning of this remarkable passage in Hebrews. 

Ephesians 6:11-17 (ESV) Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…

I read that verse on the sword a lot growing up and as a young adult, thinking “cool imagery, but…how? How do we take up the sword of the Spirit?” Now I know. To wield a physical sword, you have to pick it up. You can’t fight a physical battle when the sword is on the ground. The same goes with God’s Word and our spiritual battles. You must physically pick up the Word and start reading. Out loud, if you can. (There’s just something about reading and hearing yourself say the Word at the same time that causes deeper engagement) 

That day on the patio, and every day, our battle wasn’t against each other. Or even against the circumstances we faced. It was against the enemy camp. My husband and I fought that day and won because we used the right weapon. By the grace of God, we chose to put down the Wordle and pick up the Word…and it changed the forecast of our entire day. It changed everything. Our circumstances might remain the same now, but our hearts aren’t. 

Our hope was restored, through the Word—just like Romans 15 promised. 

Romans 15:4 (ESV) For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 

My friend is right. “The Word works!” And it’s not only a sword. 

Proverbs 30:5 (ESV) Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Only God could arrange something that cool. The same weapon that lets us fight to victory is also the same instrument that protects us: our sword and our shield. 

And here’s where I get really excited… 

The Word is also a person. 

John 1:1-5, 14 (ESV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Jesus. 

The Word IS Jesus. We have the Word in our phones through our Bible app, the Word printed on pages on our bookshelf, and the Word in our very hearts, dwelling in us. God equipped us with everything we need to fight the good fight. We’re without excuse. 

So I challenge you, dear reader, the next time you’re stumbling in darkness, or find yourself in need, oppressed, discouraged, or without hope, go to the Word. Go first. Go quickly. Go hard. Fight with the weapons that guarantee victory. 

And win the battle.  

Trust me (and my friend)—The Word works. 

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/FatCamera

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Betsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of over twenty romance novels and novellas. She resides in north Louisiana with her hubby, two daughters, an impressive stash of coffee mugs, and one furry Schnauzer-toddler. Betsy has a B.A. in Communications and a deep-rooted passion for seeing women restored to truth. When she’s not composing her next book or trying to prove unicorns are real, Betsy can be found somewhere in the vicinity of an iced coffee. She is a regular contributor to iBelieve.com and offers author coaching and editorial services via Storyside LLC. 

While it’s easy to get caught in the blame game, we’re called to sit this out as Christ-followers. Here are a few Scriptural reminders to help us keep things in perspective.

Satan Is Behind It

Revelation 12:10 points out who’s behind the accusations, saying, “It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth—the one who accuses them before our God day and night.” (NLT)

The enemy loves it when people hurl insults at one another. He is, after all, the father of lies according to Jesus’ words in John 8:44. “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Thankfully, God has all power, authority, and dominion over our accuser, and He gives us the authority to say, “Not today, Satan.” Revelation 12:11 gives us even more assurance: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”

We have the power to overcome through the Holy Spirit within us. Keeping our minds on the Kingdom of God and His righteousness makes us far less tempted to join the accusations. Remember that when we resist the enemy, he has to flee. So, let’s resist the accuser of the brethren and refuse to play the blame game.

A Prayer of Resistance: Lord, please empower me to stand against the enemy today. Help me resist his accusations and say, “Not today, Satan.” In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.

God Is Your Defense

“But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.  I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries can resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.” Luke 21:14-19

Before Jesus’ death, He warned His disciples that persecution was coming. He didn’t do this to scare them but to prepare them. The Holy Spirit prepares us for every arrow that comes our way. It might not feel like it at the time, but He equips us with the exact defense needed.

Recently, I experienced a personal attack from an extended family member. It was shocking, heartbreaking, and a bit derailing. But God! He came to my defense in a way that was nothing short of miraculous. It was as if He surrounded me with an impenetrable shield of love, grace, and peace, reminding me of who I was in Him. I didn’t have to come up with the right words; I simply rested in His truth as the perfect defense.

When facing blame unfairly, ask God to remind you of all that is right, good, and true. Look beyond the accusations to the holy revelations provided in His word. He is your defense, your refuge, and fortress, the One in whom you can always trust.

A Prayer of Defense: Lord, thank You for being my Jehovah Nissi, my banner of protection and peace. I trust in You to guard me from persecution and false accusations. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.

Humility Wins

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2 ESV

I can’t think of a time when blame wasn’t wrapped in pride. When checking my heart and motives, pride is always revealed as the instigator. I’ve learned the hard way that the only way to win is through humility. Meekness always holds the winning card. It’s worth the highest score because it takes the lowest position. As James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

C.S. Lewis once said, “It is Pride which has been the chief cause of misery in every nation and every family since the world began.” This is a big claim, but looking back, even the first family was torn apart by pride. When God accepted Abel’s sacrifice but not Cain’s, wounded pride led to murder. The saddest part about this story is that God gave Cain the chance to do what was right and be accepted.

Proverbs 11:2 reminds us, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” I don’t know about you, but I choose humility. I choose God’s wisdom over my own opinions. It’s not easy, but so worth it.

Neither you nor I will stop the unfun blame game, which is likely to grow in popularity in the coming days. But as Christ-followers, we can choose to remove ourselves from the competition.

When offenses come (and they will), try opening your hands and extending your fingers one by one to symbolize letting go. Release accusation to the Lord and refuse to partner with it. Remember Ephesians 4:31, which says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”

God is your Defender, my friend. He hears the accusations coming your way, and He can stop every arrow before it pierces your tender heart. Trust Him today and leave the unfun blame game behind.

A Prayer to Overcome Blame: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for harboring pride in my heart and thinking I have the right to point blame at others. I surrender all bitterness, rage, and slander today, asking You to purify my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Please set a guard over my mouth and help me return blessings for insults. Protect me from the accuser and the one who tries to derail me. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. I removed myself from the blame game today and focused on you. In the mighty name of Jesus, amen.

More Resources for Your Journey:

5 Steps to Escape the Blame Game and Heal Your Past

8 Reasons Blaming and Complaining Aren’t Fruitful

When It Feels Better to Blame Someone Else

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Paffy69

Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.