08/11/2018
How strong is your faith? Is it strong enough that you can face the hatred of those around you? Is your faith firm enough to withstand the trials and persecution that nonbelievers will put you through? Is it like steel when Satan comes against you because of it? Is it invincible even when those who you love, and that you thought loved you, turn against you for it? When your faith has grown, and becomes like an adornment of shiny armor, that is when the evil one will test you with all the weapons at his disposal. It is then that you must trust wholeheartedly in the Lord because at that moment your very soul lies in the balance.
“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls.”
Luke 21:17-19 KJV
I love this passage in the King James Translation because it delivers to us the true depth of what is at stake in this conflict we find ourselves embroiled in. It is more than our well-being, or our lives, in it rests the disposition of our souls... eternity. So I ask you again, how strong is your faith?
If you open your eyes to what is happening to you, to those around you, to your Church, and to your faith as a whole, the war that is waging will suddenly become apparent. You will see the hand of Satan lifted against you... the illness that came upon you, or perhaps someone in your family, and which you have been praying that God cure; the calamity that befell you when all seemed to be going so smoothly, and that you are praying God will deliver you from; the challenge of faith that brings you to your knees in fervent prayer and won’t let you out of your prayer closet; the rejection of those who you love so much that turn away for His name’s sake, and your wait as you seek God’s restoration of that relationship. All of these things and many more are the weapons of the world, and of the spirit, which are being deployed against your faith, and eventually against that of every other believer.
We like to think that our faith makes us immune to the hardships and suffering of the world, but it doesn’t. What our faith gives us is a windbreak in the midst of the storm... rest, peace, and a respite from the din of a battle that is so loud, and in which the weariness of our souls is so profound, that only God can comfort us. It is the steadfast faith we have in the intercession of Jesus Christ that provides us with patience as we wait upon God, and an unwavering trust in His rescue. It is confidence in the midst of our struggle against sin, and the evil around and about us. If our faith were to remove us from all hardship, then what use would we have for the reassurance we receive from Psalms 91, and other passages that speak to us of the hardship before us?
“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 ESV
Temptation, sin, evil, it will come against all men and women at some point, but if it slays one’s soul then those fallen ones lay on the battlefield as if in slumber while the faithful warriors fight on. Don’t be deceived by their peaceful repose because all who look at peace are not, some have just been slain during the battle. Stay the course, fight the good fight, and wait on the Lord. His deliverance is certain, even if it comes at the moment of death when we will be lifted up.
“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Revelation 2:10 ESV
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So though we suffer in this life, we also have a God who hears our prayers and who rescues us, not just physically, but spiritually. We have a savior who has healed the wound of sin that we were inflicted with, and now dresses our new wounds each day. We also have a counselor that leads us in our understanding, and gives us comfort in our faith, and a reassurance of our victory.
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”
1 Peter 4:12-14 ESV
So let’s not lose faith my friend, and not mourn the saints that God has called home, because His plan is perfect, and His will for us is not to be at eternal war against the dark one, but to be delivered into His kingdom and to live in His eternal peace. Our faith is our solace, and our assurance of victory... in it let our hope remain fixed always.
“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
1 John 5:4 ESV
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for my faith, and the call that led me to it. I thank you Holy Father for your presence beside me amidst the battle that rages between good and evil in the world, and the sword you wield on my behalf. You are my strength Merciful Father, and your promise is my shield against all doubt that would cripple me before my enemies. Bind my wounds Jesus, as I come in prayer to ask forgiveness for those things that convict me; cover them and make me new in my dedication and love for you. Send me onto the battlefield Gracious Father, that I can rescue those who need to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, give me strength to do your will, and the voice with which to shout “Come To Me!” Over the din of battle, and amidst the smoke of hellish fire. Gather those who would answer “Here am I” to you, and bless me that I might deliver them to your Son Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of the sinner; the savior of the lost. You are fierce in battle Father, great in peace, and the shout of joy in victory. You are all that is good, righteous, and holy, and on you I will wait my God of eternal comfort and Glory. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you the Victorious King over all who oppose your might, and your just and good cause. Safe are your children in your eternal kingdom.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 ESV
Rich Forbes