03/03/2022
We read in scripture that our faith requires attention and strengthening in order for us to face the many tribulations we will encounter in this fallen world. Our road to righteousness is hard, and filled with many obstacles that must be overcome before we can win the day, and enter into Heaven. We sing about the hour we first believed, and how we felt when we took that first sweet taste of eternity with Jesus, but as glorious as that moment was, it was only the beginning of our journey, the infancy of our faith, and was meant to prepare us for the initial hardships that lay ahead. We go on to read the words of encouragement that Paul, Peter, James, and others wrote, and listen to the teaching of Jesus. We know by them that though we win today’s battle, the spiritual war that rages on is long, and will demand much of us. We are told to put on our armor every day, exercise our faith to increase it, and face the dark enemy with an increased vigor. The time to rest has not yet come.
“strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”
Acts 14:22 ESV
I walked out of the living room of Colonel and Mrs. Ira Palm feeling like I was on top of the world. My joy was so intense that while riding my bicycle home I felt like I was flying… floating on air. The taste of eternity with Jesus was so intensely sweet that even my next breath tasted bitter in comparison. I wanted this incredible feeling of salvation, and redemption, to last forever, and ever.
This was the hour I first believed, and how I felt before facing the world again for the first time. I knew, as I lifted my hands from the handlebars, and held them up towards Heaven, what it felt like to have Jesus abiding in me, and to abide in Him, but this was just the beginning, and although this joy would follow me all my days, I would also find myself weeping, suffering, and crying out for God to save me from various hardships and torments I would encounter. You see, evil is a fearsome adversary, and doesn’t give up easily.
“And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.”
Mark 9:25-27 ESV
Throughout our lives we will be tempted, lied to, and brought under various attacks by Satan and his minions. To resist such trials requires an ever growing faith in Christ, and for us to be continuously strengthened in our belief, and love for God. We are warned, encouraged, and provided with the armor needed to protect us, but do we use it to bolster our resolve? Do we gain confidence knowing that every Christian suffers as we do?
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”
1 Peter 5:8-9 ESV
Today will be like many others. We might wake up to face another day of continued suffering, or perhaps our day will begin in wonderful communion with the Lord. However it begins, we can rest assured that our day will be intruded upon by one of Satan’s lies. The questions we face are these… do we begin our day in prayer, and call out for the Lord to help us in our unbelief, and to strengthen us in our faith? Do we encourage and strengthen those around us who face spiritual challenges in their lives by feeding them as Jesus does us? Do we hold the course by realizing the nature of the spiritual war we are engaged in by… understanding that it isn’t a matter of if we fight, because the battle is already being fought, but determining whether we will choose the banner of sin, or righteousness to march beneath/
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.””
John 16:33 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the constant strengthening of our belief and faith. Thank you for exercising our faithfulness during the storms we face, and the other hardships we encounter. Open our eyes and hearts Lord so that we can see the spiritual suffering of others, and apply your Word to their wounds, and the encouragement of Jesus to their hopelessness. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who dresses us for battle every day, and who leads us into every skirmish knowing our victory is sealed in you. Praised be your name as we live out our lives with a burning desire to bring you glory; facing every foe with the foreknowledge of your Word… and knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and it’s decrepit nature. Your grace is sufficient for us as we stand in your light, and take your staff in hand. In this way we feed your sheep; giving them living water to drink, and comforting their suffering. Hear our constant prayer as we lift it from morning until night, and never let us stumble or slip as we walk towards you in righteousness. Wash us in the blood of your Son Jesus; purify and redeem us in Him. Let no harm come to us, your children, and allow us to feel the fullness of your joy, peace, and happiness, in all of its power for all of eternity.
Rich Forbes