Our Good Word Project team is excited to bring you a new word to usher in the Fall and all the beautiful, seasonal changes that come with this time of year. Not only do leaves turn and temperatures cool, but some may be watchful for a goblin, ghost or ghoul. HA! See what I did there? Not only does our team dive deeply into words, but we can rhyme them too! And the reason I’m rhyming about those mystical, paranormal things is because our word for this month is SUPERNATURAL.

By definition, any force outside the laws of science and nature is considered “supernatural.” In October, especially, we tend to think of scary, supernatural things. All the time, in general, we should be aware of and on alert against evil supernatural forces. (I hate saying it, but it’s true.) There is an enemy, called the devil or Satan and evil forces that work with him (against us and God) in the spiritual realm. I really only want to say two important things about that: 1) Jesus has already declared victory over ALL evil; and 2) we can also claim victory through Him and with the help of the Armor of God. So, let’s keep breathing and not fret!

Today, I want to focus more on the bright side of the supernatural – the beings of Goodness that are guiding, advocating and watching over us. (And no, they’re not Marvel characters!) These are heavenly bodies (and no, I don’t mean Victoria’s Secret angels, either!! HA!) Namely, I’d like to turn our thoughts to the Holy Spirit and holy angels.

Holy Spirit

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit for our good. He committed to His disciples to send this supernatural guide to speak and encourage on His behalf…and live in us. That’s mind-blowing for me to even consider. The Spirit of the Lord indwells in us who claim Christ. It’s an intimacy that can’t be compared; an abiding of Jesus’ love for us, living right within our very hearts. Just let that soak in…it’s incredibly comforting, isn’t it? He gives us the Spirit – an advocate –  to be with us forever.

The Holy Spirit is a gift to Believers, given by faith, to help us through life. This supernatural help comes in many forms:

• The Spirit convicts us of our need for a Savior in Jesus. (John 16:8-11)
• He marks and seals us with a guarantee of our heavenly inheritance. (Ephesians 1:13-14)
• He guides us in Truth, revealing God’s counsel. (John 16:13-14)
• He reminds us of Jesus and His teaching, and He witnesses to us about Him. (John 14:26, John 15:26)
• The Spirit gives special gifts to each of us to use for the greater good. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
• He grows characteristics in us that conflict with our flawed humanity and instead reflect Christ-like behavior. (Galatians 5:22-23)
• He talks with our own spirit, reminding us that we are children of God. (Romans 8:16)
• He reveals things to deepen our understanding of God. (1 Corinthians 2:9-12)
• The Spirit prays for and intercedes on our behalf. (Romans 8:26-27)

I think about how many times I am weak, led astray by negative emotions, or simply forgetful about my true identity in Christ, and I’m in awe of the power that is given to me through the Holy Spirit. He is the supernatural reminder that God is with me, in me and I am His.

Holy Angels

There’s more great news from above, friends. Not only does God send his Holy Spirit to be with us, He sends good angels to minister to and serve us. Their situational duties vary, but they consistently worship, praise, rejoice and obediently serve God. They were created by God, but they’re different than humans (and have never been or will become people.) Only man and woman are made in His image. Angels are a different supernatural being.

The Bible includes dozens of stories of encounters with angels, each time being used by and doing the work of the Lord. We can read of angels doing the following things:

• Giving instructions and delivering messages. (Their name comes from the Greek, aggelos, which literally means messenger.) (Matthew 1:20, Luke 1:13)
• Helping people in danger (Daniel 6:22)
• Protecting and providing for people (Psalm 91:11, Genesis 21:17-18)
• Rejoicing for human salvation  (Luke 15:10)

In every biblical occurrence of angels, they point people to God and give glory to Him. They fully consider themselves servants of the King and unworthy of worship.

Although we don’t hear as much about angels in our modern day times, it’s consistent with the Bible to believe they are still among us, appearing momentarily at just the right time to offer help or encouragement, just as they did to the Paul. God is mostly certainly active and among us, and He gives us reasonable hope that His helpers are here too. While we do God’s work in our lives, it’s possible we could run into angels doing the same.

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2)

Perhaps these angels could move seemingly unmovable boulders in our lives to proclaim the glory of God, just as they once did to several women announcing Jesus’s resurrection. It gives me great hope that God would employ such supernatural (yet, humble) beings to communicate and aide us in this life.

Victory Over Evil

Of course, it makes sense to begin and end with God, as all things begin and end with the Almighty. Let’s not forget that He is on the throne in Heaven, with His Son Jesus at his right side orchestrating all things for our good and His glory. We can take comfort in Him, be strengthened and protected by Him and confident in our ultimate outcome. Our triune God is the SUPREME supernatural One, the victor over all and our good, good Father.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. (Luke 10:19)

Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.” (Deuteronomy 3:22)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)

Friends, we have a BIG and mightily capable God, and we are good in His hands! We need not fear that we can be taken down by any supernatural evil. Indeed, NO! Good and evil are NOT equally opposing forces, as we sometimes think. God’s good is victorious. God’s good wins EVERY TIME. And God’s good – all of it, in every realm – is for us! Hallelujah!!

Will you pray these words with me?

Lord, thank you that You are who You are. You rule over everything and have conquered all. Help me to remember this Truth and to cling to You when I am shaken. Strengthen me in ways that only You can, and please protect my mind from fear that can arise from the world around me. You have overcome the world! Help me to believe fully and rest in the knowledge that I am safe in your very capable hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.