All things were created by Him and for Him… and in Him all things hold together.

—Colossians 1:16–17

I grew up in a culture where we carried photos of the gods we believed in. I made sure I always had the photo of Jesus—one in my backpack, one in my geometry box, and even one with my toughest subjects. I believed the picture would help me pass exams. I would kiss the photo, talk to it, and place it before me as I wrote my tests. Sadly, I failed over and over again.

Even as I grew older, the habit continued. I would sleep with the picture at my bedside and carry it in my pocketbook. I was even inspired by movies where Dracula or Satan would flee at the sight of a cross, a necklace with a cross, or even when someone lifted up a Bible. I believed the picture itself had power.

Whenever I faced a challenge, I would pull out the photo, thinking Jesus could help in that situation. But if the problem seemed impossible to me, I wouldn’t even bother taking the picture out—because in my mind, if it looked impossible to me, surely it was impossible for Jesus too. None of these actions really helped me, until one day the Holy Spirit revealed who Jesus truly is through the Word of God.

The picture of Jesus we see today is only an artistic representation—perhaps a guess of how a Jewish man might have looked—but it is nowhere near how the Word of God reveals Him.

Jesus Christ cannot be contained in a pocketbook, a drawer, a cupboard, or placed on a shelf. He is the God who has dominion over everything. “For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… all things were created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16)

Every creature must bow and humble itself before Him. When Jesus speaks, it will come to pass. When He commands, it will stand firm.

Jesus Christ has power and authority over heaven and hell. The angels and the demons obey Him.

John’s vision describes Jesus this way: “The hairs of His head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: King of kings and Lord of lords.” (Revelation 1:14; 19:13,16)

This is the Jesus we serve—not an image, not a symbol, but the living, reigning King. And yet, how often do we try to shrink this sovereign, all-powerful God into something our tiny human minds can imagine? Can we ever truly perceive His majestic image?

Though we cannot wrap our minds around this magnificent God, when we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, we will be saved. And through Him, we will see great things.

Do not minimize the nature of God when sickness seems incurable, when the doctors have given up, or when hope feels lost. Doctors go by facts, but our faith proclaims Jesus is the Healer and Great Physician.

Do not cling to the rulebook of man, but align yourself with the rulebook of God. Man lies and fails, but “the Word of the Lord endures forever.” (1 Peter 1:25)

The devil is not afraid of the physical book, the Bible. But when you confess and release the living Word of God written in the Bible, he trembles. The picture of a cross on the wall does not protect you. The wooden cross in your room has no power. But when you plead the blood of Jesus over your house, you are shielded. (Exodus 12:13)

The photo in your pocketbook does not carry God with you. But when you invite the Holy Spirit, the very presence of God goes with you wherever you go.

When you abide in His presence, you carry His power, and you can speak His Word over situations. The authority was already claimed for you at Calvary through the blood of Jesus.

So go boldly before the throne of the Father. Ask the impossible. Speak to the immovable. He will respond according to His will and in His perfect time. (Hebrews 4:16)

Instead of placing the Bible under your pillow, hiding it beneath your head, meditate on the Word of God. Get it into your heart and mind. Use it as a solution in your problems, as a weapon in your battles, and as medicine in your suffering.

I don’t carry the image of Jesus in my pocketbook anymore. Rather, I have drawn that image in my soul as the Word of God describes. I have never felt victorious like the life I am living today. Glory be to God.

You too—fall in love with the Word of God, and you will never fail.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I have minimized Your power and tried to contain You in my own understanding. Help me to treasure Your Word, confess it with faith, and walk in the authority of Your Spirit. May Your presence go with me wherever I am, and may Your Word be my strength, my shield, and my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.