04/24/2020
As men and women of faith we have hope bubbling up in us, and it is recognized as true by those around us, even if they don’t yet believe, or understand it. Are you asked why you act joyfully the way you do, or why there is a peace in you that defies understanding, and a sense of humility even though you are strong? When asked such questions do you shrug your shoulders or do you tell them about Jesus, and His gospel? Do you listen to their questioning and then hoe the weeds from around the tiny seedling that God planted there as a grain of faith, or are you afraid of failure, so you ignore them?
“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,”
1 Peter 3:15 ESV
Sometimes those who God is calling will come to you with sincere questions about your faith, who Jesus is, and why you feel the way you do about Him, those times are like ripe fruit, but that is not always the case. Some who are struggling with the urging that God is presenting to them will seem combative to you, or mock your joy and peace telling you it is unfounded, or perhaps indicating that you are a simpleton, but all of these confrontations are the result of an ongoing struggle between good and evil within them. They wrestle with the darkness, but have not yet put on the armor of God.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”
Ephesians 6:12-13 ESV
I once had a boss at work who was not a believer, but I treated him with respect, and kindness, loving him as God’s commandment directs us to love our neighbor, but the joy and happiness in me stabbed him like a knife every time he witnessed it. He saw in me something that he wanted, but did not have, and there was a wrestling match going on within him. Good, and evil were vying for control of his soul, and yet the world had a strong grasp on him. This combat was not between me, and this man, but between darkness and light, and one day the Lord moved him off to a place where we no longer interacted. I know that I didn’t fail my Lord, and I know that wherever this man is the battle rages on.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV
So even though the battle is not ours to win or lose, we must stand our ground, and not step back from the defense of our faith. I prayed for this man, and in the same way I prayed for him throughout those years, I pray for him, and those who witness to him, today. I defended my faith to him in those days, and I pray that the Lord has placed a Saint in this man’s life to continue that good work now. My efforts were not a failure, but placed a foundation stone in this man’s life that another will build upon. In the mean time I move on, and others come in search of their salvation; some I will harvest, some I will be a witness to, some I will intercede for, and others I will engage, and then let others continue the good work in.
“And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.”
Matthew 10:13-14 ESV
So, When asked questions regarding faith, don’t shrug your shoulders and leave those poor souls to their own devices, but instead tell them about Jesus in your life, and about His gospel. Don’t be afraid of failing, or uncertain in your ability to argue God’s case. No, simply defend your faith As you have experienced it, tell them about Jesus, and leave a stone in their foundation... no matter how small you might perceive it to be God will build upon it.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the mustard seed of faith that you placed in me, and thank you for all the saints that watered and tended that seed over the years. Thank you Lord for continuing the struggle against evil that raged in me, and for clothing me in the armor of your Word as the skirmishes continued as you moved towards victory in me. Help me Holy Father to be a witness to those around me, and to water the seed you have placed in them Just as others did for me. Give me courage Lord, and show me where to place the stone I have to offer in the foundation of their garden house. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who wrestles evil within each of us, and calls us yo Jesus, and to witness your victories. Praised be your name Precious Lord for allowing us to place our stone in the foundation of your good work in others, and to bear fruit for you in the vine you have made us to be. Great is your strength as it conquers sin, defeats death, and raises us up to be a garden in the land of your conquest. Hear our prayers for others Father, and help us as we realize that those prayers might take a lifetime to be realized in them , and that we might not be there to witness your victory in them. Merciful are you who allows us to shake the dust from our feet, and leave their salvation in your hands, for this battle, and all it’s glory belongs to you. We give you glory now, and forevermore, for the souls you have secured, and those yet to be won. Great is your name throughout the ages, and forever!
“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”
Ephesians 6:16-18 ESV
Rich Forbes