03/27/2019
When things get tough regarding your faith how do you go about handling the situation? If challenged or threatened because you are a Christian do you stand by your faith, go to your prayer closet, or run away from it altogether? Not all threats are of bodily violence or death; some are merely the fear of being ostracized, made fun of, or maybe being passed over for promotion at work. Fear of ridicule and failure can be just as effective as bodily harm to the steadfastness of our faith. Are you one of the apostles that ran away, or more like Peter who denied Jesus?
“But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples left him and fled.”
Matthew 26:56 ESV
The scripture we just read occurred when the crowd came for Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, and is an example of the apostles being afraid that they might be captured and harmed by the crowd. We tend to understand this kind of reaction; we find it cowardly, but we understand it, because even brave men feel fear when faced with death, and most certainly we do as well. Remember the five Amorite kings that hid from Joshua? Fear of death makes strong men quake and do cowardly things...
“These five kings fled and hid themselves in the cave at Makkedah. And it was told to Joshua, "The five kings have been found, hidden in the cave at Makkedah."”
Joshua 10:16-17 ESV
Several years ago in Libya some Christian men were taken prisoner and led onto a beach where they were decapitated because of their faith in Christ. They were given an opportunity to save themselves by denouncing Jesus and becoming Muslim but they chose death over denying Their faith instead. This horrified the world, but it also served as an example of great faith. How would we react to such a situation? Would we choose martyrdom, or return to your families as Muslims? Before you answer, remember that the apostles who deserted Jesus in Gethsemane had sworn to stand by Him only a short time before at the Last Supper...
“Peter said to him, "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!" And all the disciples said the same.”
Matthew 26:35 ESV
Pain, suffering, and death are powerful tools that Satan uses against our faith. How would yours hold up in the face of it?
Most challenges to our faith are not nearly as drastic, and yet are very effective tools of Satan as well; the simple idea of being made fun of by our peers, being portrayed as foolish, being ostracized by our family or those whose friendship we value, or even having our livelihood challenged can be enough to shake one’s faith to the ground. As a matter of fact, these things destroy the faith of people far more often than the threat of death and harm.
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
Proverbs 13:20 ESV
Peer pressure is something we warn our children about. How many good young people have ended up in trouble because of the allure of the crowd they are hanging out with? How many have tried drugs because their friends encouraged them, or stole a piece of candy because their buddy did, or became sexually active because the guys or girls they hung out with put pressure on them... making it a right of passage or requirement for remaining with the group? We do good things by following along, but we also do those bad things if we are not careful. These things could land us in jail, the principal’s office, or on a path to self destruction. Isn’t our faith effected in the same way?
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
James 1:12-15 ESV
So how do we go about resisting temptation, and remain true to ourselves, and our faith? For starters we can begin by surrounding ourselves with good and faithful people. Then we can seek the Lord in prayer, and listen for His answer. We should also be cautious of people and situations which try to rush us into making decisions, and listening to our hearts... if something doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t.
There was a movement a few years ago among younger Christians that centered on a rubber bracelet, and a very simple question “What Would Jesus Do” or the initials “W.W.J.D”.... Interestingly enough there were those who took this to heart, and used it as a tool in making good decisions, but there were also those who were right there to ridicule them and call them childish or silly... peer pressure! Young adults with a Christian T-Shirt on are often called “Church Boy”, “Goody Two Shoes”, or other names as their faith is attacked, and older adults face the same spiritual pressures over cross lapel pins, necklaces, or the mention of Jesus Christ or prayer in the workplace as they are pushed aside in promotions or denied raises.
Now that we have discussed some methods, lets look at some tools we need... The key tools, or ingredients, in resisting temptation and peer pressure are character, courage, and trust. We need to exhibit a strength of character, courage in our convictions, and trust in the fact that God will provide as He said He would in His Holy Word.
Getting back to the question “When things get tough regarding your faith how do you go about handling the situation?” We each need to develop a method of discernment, and resistance, to the often personal attacks that challenge or faith. We also need to realize that there will be times when our decisions will spiritually embarrass us before God, and we will fail to honor Him as we should, perhaps even deny Him, but that in those times He is waiting for our contrition so that He can forgive us and welcome us back home! Use your good character, courage, and trust, and never let Satan, or those around you, convince you that a bad decision you might have made has trapped you! Peter denied Jesus and went on to become the rock on which Jesus built His church... you can be just such a rock of faith.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the character you build in me each day, the courage I gain by looking to the cross, and the trust I have in you that is bolstered by your Word. Help me Holy Father to seek out the escape that you have provided me when I am in the midst of temptation or under attack by peer pressure and worldly influences. Give me the power of Will and faith that Peter came to know through the filling of your Holy Spirit, and make me into a rock of faith and the church, just as He became. Send good people to me Father to speak your truth to me, and to counter those bad influences that strive to drive wedges between us. Hear my prayers Merciful Lord, and encourage me in your responses as I call out in the midst of my battles, and my temptations, come to me in your deliverance, and protect my faith with your mighty arm, with the sword of your Word. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who stands before me against fear and temptation. Praised be your name now and forevermore my Eternal Father of Mercy and Grace. Yours is the glory always!
Rich Forbes