The Keeping Power of God

As we enter the final quarter of the year, it's time to reflect on how we can finish strong. This period isn't just about wrapping up loose ends; it's an opportunity to tap into a divine power that can propel us forward with renewed strength and purpose.

The book of Jude, though often overlooked, contains a powerful message for believers. In its closing verses, we find a doxology - an expression of praise to God - that reveals profound truths about His nature and His relationship with us.

"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 1:24-25)

These words remind us of God's omnipotence - His unlimited power. But more than that, they assure us that God wants to use this power on our behalf. He is not a distant, uninvolved deity, but an active force in our lives, working to keep us from stumbling and falling.

In this season, we're called to fight for our faith. The enemy isn't after our possessions, our purpose, or even our relationships. His ultimate goal is to erode our faith in God. But as Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, "Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

Our faith is the key that unlocks God's movement in our lives. When we believe in His healing power, He becomes our healer. When we trust in His ability to make a way, He becomes our way-maker. Our faith activates His promises.

This time of year coincides with Yom Kippur on the Jewish calendar - a season of repentance and renewal. It's a time to break cycles and reset our lives. God is inviting us to repent so we don't recycle old patterns and mistakes. He's offering us the power to step in front of whatever has been causing us to stumble.

But here's the beautiful part: even when we fall short, Jesus stands as our intercessor. The book of Revelation tells us that there's an accuser who brings charges against us day and night. But every time Satan rails an accusation, Jesus presents us as faultless before the Father.

This doesn't mean we're perfect. As Romans 3:23 reminds us, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." But when Jesus introduces us to the Father, He presents us as faultless individuals, covered by His blood. This is why communion is so powerful - it reminds us of the blood that stands in the gap for us, making us whole.

The result of this intercession isn't just forgiveness; it's joy. Not just any joy, but "exceeding joy." God is promising to blow our minds with blessings that will make us feel like we're dreaming. It's not because we've done anything to deserve it, but because of His grace and the fact that we've been presented faultless before Him.

As we navigate this season, we need to be discerning. The spirit of the sons of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do, is crucial. We must be careful of old relationships trying to rekindle, people attempting to stir up old emotions, and even our spending habits. God is working to eliminate anything that might hinder our progress.

The message is clear: God is about to step in with His keeping power. If you've been trying to hold everything together on your own, that season is over. Whether it's your household, your finances, or your peace of mind, God is saying, "I'm about to step in with my keeping power."

This isn't just for now; it's for the future too. The doxology in Jude ends with "both now and ever." God's power, glory, and dominion extend from this moment into eternity. He's working in your present circumstances and orchestrating your future.

As we approach the end of the year, let's embrace this truth: we will not fail, nor will our households. We don't have to rely on our own strength anymore. God's keeping power is available to us, ready to present us faultless and fill us with exceeding joy.

So, how do we respond to this incredible promise? We praise. Not because we're told to, but because understanding who God is and what He's capable of naturally produces praise in our hearts. When we truly grasp His keeping power, His ability to present us faultless, and His desire to fill us with joy, how can we not lift our voices in gratitude?

Let's end this year strong, not by our own might, but by tapping into the keeping power of God. Let's fight for our faith, break old cycles, and position ourselves to receive the exceeding joy He wants to pour out. As we do, we'll find ourselves not just ending the year well, but stepping into a new season of divine favor and blessing.

Remember, unto Him who is able to keep you from falling, who presents you faultless, who fills you with exceeding joy - to Him be all glory, majesty, dominion, and power, both now and forever. Amen.