Today I want to challenge you to get into the Word of Truth, to become an expert at “rightly dividing the Word.” It is a core factor in living a victorious life and operating a victorious ministry.

One of the immediate results from getting into the Word and letting the Word get into you is the intimate relationship with God that develops. Realize that the Word is the direct revelation of God Himself. He has placed it in your hands for a greater purpose than many ever realize. The Word is more than a collection of do’s and don’ts. It is more than a historical account of mankind and God’s working with him. The Word is authority, power, insight, wisdom, freedom, truth, direction, protection, shelter, refreshment, grace, and so much more.

Consider Philippians 3:10 from the Amplified Bible.

[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding [the wonders of His Person] more strongly and more clearly. And that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection.

When you are in the Word and the Word is in you, you become a supernatural revelation of God in this earth. You know Him in an intimate and ever-growing relationship that brings life to all you touch. You become that tree planted by living water, bearing fruit, and all that your hands find to do prospers! In order for something to prosper it must be ALIVE!

For a moment, think with me of the practical application of this dynamic relationship.

• -When one in your ministry needs healing, you know the One who heals. You know the heart of the one who heals. You have confidence to speak life and bring forth comfort and healing.
• -When one in your ministry falters or stumbles, you know the One who reconciles. You can compassionately and reassuredly minister reconciliation.
• -When your path crosses one who is wayward, you know the Father who is longing for the prodigal to come home. Your words become more than mere instructions, they minister life through an anointing that facilitates the drawing from the Holy Spirit to bring the wayward home into the loving arms of His Father.

As you read this exhortation, may God bring to you to an enlightenment that frees you out of the struggles of ministry and into the revelation of the freedom of ministry. The question is posed, “Why is it that ministry is so difficult?” The obvious and quick repute is usually, “Because the enemy fights against it.” But is that what scripture teaches? Did not Christ’s death and resurrection bring us into a new covenant? Under this new covenant, are we not set free from the laws of sin and death? Do we not have power over the enemy? Are we not in this world but not of this world? To the amazement of many and the astonishment of others, the truth is found in Christ’s own words. Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, said, “My yoke is EASY and my burden is LIGHT!” Then, why the struggle? Why the difficulties?  It is because of distractions that take our minds off of what we know to be true!  Realize that satan does not want you to know and act upon the fact that he is under your feet. No, he does not want you to become aware of and utilize the authority and freedom given you by your Father, Ruler of the Universe!  But, dear friends, when you get into the Word of Truth and the Word of Truth gets into you, there is only one ultimate outcome. Victory and Freedom! When you get to know Him, you recognize, perceive, and understand the wonders of His Person and the power of His resurrection!

Stop wasting your time trying to solve problems. Stop spinning your wheels begging for crumbs. Start spending time with the One who will solve them for you. Get into His Word. Get to know the One who will guide you along straight paths, not crooked ones. Yes, He will straighten your crooked paths. He will lower the mountains you climb. He will raise the valleys you walk through. He will dry the rivers you cross. He will shine light into the darkness and guide your way. He will say, “This is the way, walk in it.” And throughout, He will do it compassionately with love in such a way that brings peace, refreshing, joy, and strength.

He summed it up for you a long time ago when He said to seek Him first and all these things will then be yours. (Matt. 6:33)

Gary R. Linn