1 Peter 2:6 - Chief Cornerstone
Step 1: Pray. Select.
As I sit here today, praying, I reflect on how the Lord has protected me throughout some very trying times in my life and, in the end, has set me on a solid foundation, which gives me peace in my heart today. The word ‘gratitude’ best describes my feelings as I ponder Him carrying me and pulling me out of some of my darkest situations, which overwhelms my heart.
The Holy Spirit prompts me to examine what building on the rock and choosing him first really looks like going forward, since this is the first time I am building in God’s order, with him at the forefront. I came across 1 Peter 2:6, which I felt truly encompassed my sentiments today.
This is where I began my journey today, friends, so I proceeded to Step 2.
Step 2: Write. Read. Circle
After reading the scripture three times, the following words stood out amongst the others:
Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,
“Behold, I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”
Step 3: Re-Write
With a focus on the words I circled that stood out, here are the personalized sentence(s) that came alive in my heart.
Jennifer, I lay a chief cornerstone, he who believes by no means be put to shame.
If you are doing this alongside me today, add your name in front of your unique sentence so the Lord can speak directly to you.
Step 4: Visualize
As I close my eyes, I think about the chief cornerstone of a building about to be built. It was laid by Jesus Himself. He has gone before me and laid this foundation as a sign that He freed me from any shame; therefore, no matter what I am building, through His crucifixion, He allows me to be slightly bolder and more confident in my God-given abilities, and no one can take that away. He created me and died for me so I could continue to glorify him through my life and throughout my days. Going forward, regardless of my past, it is essential that I do not waste time wishing I were someone or something else; I am fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. I am not a mistake, and the things I have done, or the life that I have experienced, all add up to a beautiful sum, making me whole. He who the King sets free is free indeed.
So, what does life look like with Jesus and his sacrifice as the foundation and catalyst of who I am today? What kind of life am I building going forward? Well, let me put it plainly, after everything he went through, he still beat death. He still reigns and is quite arguably one of the most influential figures of all time. So if someone of that power and magnificence died to save me, then I am starting my foundation at the top! I can only imagine what I will build in my future with him in my corner, as my foundation. It is only up from here.
I have a question in my mind, so I proceed to Step 5.
Step 5: Ask. Seek
The requests/questions that came to mind are:
Holy Spirit, why do I still feel like people, on occasion, still try to hold me down?
Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive
Here is the answer I received:
”People cannot hold you down since they have no authority over you. They can only hold you down or hold you back if you let them. If you believe in the power of your risen King Jesus, then you have already won. If you focus on approval from those who are less than him, then you will feel defeated. It is not a mystery or a question of whether or not I am on the throne even after death; it is a question of why you doubt victory over your life. Remember the Garden, and how I asked Adam and Eve, ‘Who told you you were naked?’ It was not me. Someone beneath me shamed them. Don’t be tricked by others. Be true. Be honest. Be good. Be you. You must trust that the cornerstone was laid. So let’s build together from there.”
Step 7: Pray. Confirm
Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Thank you for already placing the territory under my feet to build upwards. You are a solid foundation I can trust will not shift with the tides of the earth. Thank you for your physical sacrifice, so I have seen your victory on my level.
Help me stay close to the truth and remember that all shame or negativity is not you, for you already died for these very things.
In Jesus' mighty name, I pray and seal this prayer with the blood of Jesus - Amen.
Step 8: Share. Testify
If you used the 8-Step Prayer Practice today, we would love to hear how God works in your life! You can comment below or share your miracle or testimony HERE.
Conclusion:
Friends, rise up, and realize you are a part of a victorious kingdom. You are a force to be reckoned with through the power of the blood of Christ Jesus.
Take hold of the day you have been given and live boldly and authentically exactly as you were created to be.
It is not an accident that you are here. It was planned, bought, fought for, and paid for with a price.
You are valuable and enough. And when you build on the chief cornerstone, you WILL NOT be put to shame.
God bless you. See you soon!
