HIGHER GROUND
I quickly got the vacuum and sucked them up! I began praying… “Okay, God what’s so important about these ants?”
I felt a warning in my spirit about battling this tiny army and 2nd Corinthians 1:9 came to mind for the second time this week.
Indeed, we personally had a death sentence within ourselves, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead.
I am learning to see that trials comes from God! If we want God to be our everything, we must see and meet God in every circumstance.
When we accept God’s will in everything, we gain clarity!
Come now learn with me to say to every trial in your life without exception, “It is my Father who sent it. I accept it as His messenger,” and nothing in earth or hell can separate you from God.
We must become persistent ants despite our circumstances AND just keep marching and climbing to higher ground.
The concept of “higher ground” often comes up as a metaphor for rising above our difficulties. In the Word of God, the higher ground symbolizes not just a physical elevation but of spiritual growth where God takes us higher!
I don’t know about you, but life’s challenges are over-whelming and often times I need a better perspective. God invites us to seek a place where we can see our struggles from a new angle, gaining strength and wisdom to find peace and purpose in our challenging journey.
I found two verse about ants in the Bible.
Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest. Proverbs 6:6-8 and Proverbs 30:25
Is God giving instruction to a lazy person or is He simply saying don’t be foolish! I don't consider myself lazy or foolish so why are we being plagued by these ants in my house?
God says, we are not to be sluggard: go take a good look at the ants, study their ways, and from that study you will learn certain things which will make you wise.
Is this tiny army symbolic of the days we are living?
We can’t be fooled by the narratives we are being fed by the world’s media.
God is always teaching those who are wise to listen.
Is He emphasizing being resourceful for the future events?
His Word tells us to study the ants. Even in opposition this tiny army pursues higher ground no matter theirs circumstances. If we are to embrace this concept, we are to become resilient and search for spiritual strength and peace that leads us to higher ground.
Over and over again the Lord keeps shining His Light towards living a life of strength and peace while on earth.
I feel like God is saying … “overcome life’s challenges by seeking higher ground to find refuge and divine connection.” Jesus is our higher ground and He fosters our growth, guidance and protection.
Can you see this as an invitation to sit in God’s presence?
Another thing I noticed while studying these tiny ants is they do not live a compromised life!
Look at these ants, they are selflessness despite their small size. They carry loads many times heavier than their own body weight and work tirelessly for their colony.
Have you ever seen an ant that isn't busy doing something? They are always on the go. Each ant has a job to do and their selfless attitude gets it done.
We are to be encouraged by them and “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.” Philippians 2:3-4
God’s point is to have a selfless attitude, but we humans like to promote self. Primarily a compromised life looks like “self” or pride; man seeking his own will and his own glory.
Yikes, Andrew Murray talks about self as the root of sin in his book “The Indwelling Life”. Andrew says the Lamb of God comes to us in our pride, and saves us from ourselves! Thank you Jesus!
We all need to be saved! Somedays it seems every second of every day! HA! So let’s pray right now … “Jesus come show us our pride, our self-will, and self promoting actions. Shine your light in the areas of my life that chain me to pride because I am living a compromised life, amen!”
Likewise, pride, or the loss of this humility, is the root of every sin and evil. It all started when the Serpent breathed the poison of his pride in the garden. This “self” is what each of us must overcome!
I also noticed that ants gather food in the months – in the seasons -- when there is a harvest -- when food is available. They lay up store for the months when there is no harvest. Ants don't put off what they should be doing today until tomorrow because tomorrow might be too late. If they wait, or are lazy, they will go hungry in the time when there is no food to harvest. Are we following this principle in of our lives?
We should also apply this to our spiritual life. While we are able we should take the opportunity to diligently study the Word of God and lay up a store of knowledge and understanding in our hearts and minds which will take us through the times of trial and testing that are ahead. We are to Work for unity with God by sitting quietly in His Presence.
Next, let’s look at the ants community. When we watch the ants at work, we see them working together as a group. They are not scattered all over the place, going willy nilly in all directions. When a food source is found, they all follow the same trail to gather the food. There is a constant flow of communication between the ants as they pass each other. They are constantly in touch with one another. They don't work in isolation. They work together as a community.
Notice that the proverb says the ants are a people not strong – each individual ant on its own is small and insignificant. Individually they could not accomplish much but together they have strength in numbers. They can accomplish an enormous amount of work together. They have a strong community spirit and work together as a community. We can compare the ants community to our churches and the body of Christ who pray as a corporation for God’s will on earth!
Lastly, I have been impressed with the persistence and tenacity of the ants which were trying to build their nests in my house. They just don't give up!
I get up in the morning and there is that stream of hundreds of ants making their way across the kitchen counter in my house. I bring out a pest controller called bleach and I spray them and the trail they are on. The bleach stops them dead in their tracks. When that spray hits them, they simply stop moving. Many hundreds of ants are killed and the battle is won – for a time.
But, the next day the ants are back, this time following a slightly different trail within my kitchen. Then we attack them again with a new tactic and hopefully they will give up. Well, that stops them in their tracks but it is only for a time. But you guessed it: overnight they have figured out a trail around my set land mines and come into my house by yet another way.
So what is the lesson here? Ants don't give up and neither should we.
This principle of not giving up is important. Like the ants attacking our home, we all have a daily onslaught of things which attack us spiritually. However, we are to respond to these attacks by using the tools God has given us. It doesn't come from a store in the form of baking soda or a chemical bleach, No, we have God's Word as our attack method!
"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two–edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
When it comes to spiritual matters, the Word of God is very powerful. Have you ever tried speaking God’s word into the atmosphere—It is like bleach to the ants and stops them dead in their tracks. The spiritual warfare abruptly ceases!
For example, if something upsets us and we begin to think wrong thoughts about a person, the wrong thoughts are intent on building a nest in our minds.
Stop yourself and apply God's Word to the situation. Stop analyzing everything and fill your mind with GOD’S WORD, a sermon, verse and speak it out! We are taken higher in that moment!
We are also reminded that Godly love for others, no matter what the circumstances, will stop the wrong thoughts from taking hold on our minds, and our attitude.
These tiny ants don't give up easily, and neither should we! When it comes to defeating the wrong attitudes, thoughts, and actions which will harm us and others along the way. Look for the truth and don’t give up until you find it. We are to never compromise with the truth. We hold on tenaciously to the truth that God has revealed to us.
We are to be humble as an ant:
- Ants are diligent workers
- Ants are self motivated
- Ants prepare for the future – while they can
- Ants work together as a community
- Ants don't give up
Selah,
🦋Angela
Spiritual elevation refers to attaining a deeper connection with God. It involves moving beyond daily distractions and focusing on your faith. Biblical figures like Moses experienced profound transformations on elevated terrains, such as Mount Sinai. His Climbing the mountain represented his obedience and divine communication with God. Ascending Sinai means drawing closer to God. These moments with God allow for our own divine encounters and revelations for own lives.
To achieve spiritual elevation:
Engage in Prayer: Regular communication with God strengthens your relationship.
Read Scripture: Understanding biblical teachings helps clarify your spiritual path.
Spiritually Growth: I keep a journal, and write devotional prayers. This helps stay connected to God. Click my devotional page for some inspiration for your journey. devotional page.
When we assess our faith journey we are fostering a deeper insight towards God and His Kingdom. Higher ground signifies spiritual advancement and we can only go higher if we seek it. By seeking it, you gain a broader perspective on life’s struggles. This shift allows you to view challenges through the lens of faith.
- Meditation: Spend time in prayer and meditation. Reflect on your challenges, seeking insights that provide clarity.
- Scripture Reading: Engage with passages that discuss faith and perseverance.
- Fasting: fast of food and/or things hogging your spare time like, social media, Tv and even hobbies.
- Focus on stories of individuals who ascended to higher ground through belief.
- Identify Struggles: List your current challenges. By acknowledging them, you create a foundation for seeking higher ground.
- Set Spiritual Goals: Define what higher ground means for you. Is it faith, wisdom, or personal growth? Setting clear goals guides your journey.
- Engage in Community: Surround yourself with supportive individuals. Join a Bible study or attend worship services to strengthen your faith.
- Practice Gratitude: Focus on your blessings. Gratitude shifts your mindset, highlighting the positive aspects of your life.
Psalm 61:2 states, “From the end of the earth, I call to you when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” This verse emphasizes seeking refuge in God during distress, symbolizing spiritual elevation.
Psalm 121:1-2 adds, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Here, lifting your eyes symbolizes looking beyond immediate struggles toward divine assistance.
Matthew 5:14 declares, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” This metaphor urges you to live brightly, reflecting Christ’s teachings and drawing others towards faith.
Philippians 3:14 proclaims, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” This encourages you to strive for spiritual growth and righteousness, emphasizing the upward journey of faith.
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