A common greeting among people is, “Hello. How are you doing?” And a common response is, “Not too bad under the circumstances.” This should never be the response of the Christian.
As Christians we are not to be “under the circumstances.” Being “under the circumstances” means that the things of life rule over you. What are your circumstances in life? Are they financial circumstances? Are they physical circumstances? Are they family circumstances? Whatever the circumstances, we should rule over them.
As Christians, we are not to be ruled by what is around us. As Christians, we are not to make our decisions in life based on what we see. Our decisions must be based on the commands from God in the invisible world and we must act on them in this visible world we live in.
If we allow ourselves to react to the circumstances around us, then all the devil has to do to nudge us into the place where he wants us to be, is to change our circumstances. As believers, we are commanded to not be moved by what we see, but instead, to walk by faith (2 Cor. 5:7).
Remember, Paul said in Acts 20:22-24, “And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me.”
We must be like Paul. We must not allow ourselves to be moved by anything that the devil delivers to us. We must only be moved by the Spirit of God and by what God speaks to us through His Word.
We were created to rule and reign on this earth. Under the new covenant we have been given authority over all the power of the evil one. There is no excuse for a Christian to “be under the circumstances.”
So the next time someone greets you and says, “Hello. How are you doing?” remember you are a child of the King and the enemy is under your feet and you are always above the circumstances.
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.