This summer has been quite refreshing and enlightening for my daughter and I. Weeks before the summer began I was introduced to the National Bible Bee. This is an organization that is designed to encourage parents as they discipline their children through in-depth study of the Word of God, scripture memorization and prayer. Not only has Micaela learned approximately 50 scriptures this summer in preparation for the Bible Bee competition, but we've done an in-depth study of I Peter.

I had no idea how rich this short, but powerful New Testament book was. We researched words such as inheritance, suffering, salvation, submission, servant, righteous, and love in Strong's Concordance and in the Greek Lexicon in order that we would have an extensive understanding of the true meaning.

During this time I experienced a number of unexpected situations that totally caught me off guard, and of course this is bound to happen to each of us. Several scriptures from I Peter resonated in my spirit. What spoke volumes to me was how directly the Word of God will impact what we do and what we say. Depending on level to which our "spiritual tank" is full or not, will determine if we react or respond and yes, there is a difference.

Has your doctor ever checked your reflexes by tapping your knee with a mallet? When this occurs, your knee automatically swings forward. This is a clear example of a reaction, which is an automatic, unthinking, often habitual behavior.

A response, however, requires thought, self-control and discipline and an uncanny ability to pause before replying, which my sisters, I HIGHLY recommend we do in all situations.

When we react hastily to a situation, we have a greater chance of doing and/or saying things that can't be recanted. But, when we meditate on the Word of God and allow it to be our guide, we will witness a "new woman" emerging in the midst of extreme circumstances.

I can personally attest to this because I have reacted to situations and I've witnessed the results that unfortunately can't be altered. I've also responded to situations as the Holy Spirit led me. To have an opportunity to witness the Holy Spirit at work on my behalf as I submitted my will and my tongue is priceless and it's a place I endeavor to live.

In Matthew 4 we see Satan tempts Jesus immediately following a 40 day fast. What he (Satan) failed to realize was that even though Jesus was "physically" weak, because He hadn't eaten in 40 days; His "Spiritual Tank" was full which enabled Him to respond with the Word of God, rather than react negatively out of His flesh. Jesus Christ was/is our example and we are to imitate Him.

Sisters, I know things are certain to occur in our lives that we never imagined, and even though it may catch us "off-guard", our Lord and Savior is NEVER caught off guard. In Isaiah 50:4 he promises to give us a tongue of the learned ~ I interpret this to mean that He will give me what to say in any situation. But in order for the "right" words to come out of our mouths, the "right" Word has to be written on our hearts.

My sister, I challenge you to be intentional about planting the Word of God in your heart. It will be a guide for you in every situation. Remember, we are called to be "written epistles read by men." Allow your response to be a witness to those in your circle of influence of the power of God in at work in your life.