In times like these, we need a firm foundation on which to stand. When we trust the government, job security, manufactured entities, we are standing on sinking sand.
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Pressing Through Troubling Times
We know that a life lived as unto the Lord does not mean that we do not face challenges, but neither does taking up our cross to follow Jesus mean that we have to suffer endlessly under the oppression of darkness. Jesus has already suffered for us (Isaiah 53). However, it does mean that we are to be good soldiers fighting the good fight of faith, trusting God and believing that we receive the promise of His Word to heal, deliver, and restore us. That Word that was made flesh (John 1:1-3, 14) and is ever interceding for us to help us, to strengthen us, to encourage us to go on and see what the end is going to be!
Ultimately, it always comes down to relationship, doesn’t it? For whatever reason, when our relationship with our Lord and Savior is hindered, and we lose our way (like a lost sheep), it feels like we have been abandoned in some way. Of course, we know that that is the furthest thing from the truth because our Heavenly Father assures us that He will never leave or forsake us. But in those dark times, the enemies’ lies are magnified, and we can get delusional in our thinking (I call it “stinkin’ thinkin’”).
It is doing those times that we have to dig in our heels and refuse to be “dogged” by demonic imps. Take a step forward, and move in faith because anything that the enemy has against us has already been nailed to the cross. Draw near unto God and He will draw near unto you. That is His promise.
What Are You Fighting For?
Even when God has given us a clear directive, we sometimes get side-tracked and forget purpose. Such was the case with Jesus’ disciples. You know the story: Jesus told them that He would meet up with them on the other side of the lake, and as they set out to accomplish the directive, they came upon a dark situation. They forgot what Jesus said. “Meet me on the other side.” If God tells you to do something, then you can rest assured that He’s got you covered so that you can fulfill His request. This is the power of purpose! When we endeavor to live a purpose-driven life; a Spirit-led life, this truly is a life that is worth fighting for.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
ISAIAH 26:3
Should we fight for the cause of Christ, His will, His purpose, His assignment on our lives, we shall surely win and claim the victory that He shall surely give to those who trust and obey Him.
Grace and Peace to you,
Silvana
