In recent conversations I hear people sharing about a variety of battles, but they are facing. Observing people out in public I see so much distress, uneasiness, and unhappiness. Some have even shared that while life is “ok” - there's this nagging sense of whatever. In the back of their mind
I think the nagging sense in part is all the chaos in our country and government as well as the economic situation, which creates an underlying stress. That combined with and intensifying spiritual warfare makes things challenging, especially for those who don't recognize the spiritual side of life.
This is not only being encountered by people in the world but it's in the church as well. That is concerning because as born-again believers we have the answer. People are turning to crystals, charms, new age thinking, horoscopes, fortune telling, etc., all in search of some sort of hope and power. As born again believers with the Holy Spirit inside of us, we have the power to reach out to hurting people and provide an answer. of hope.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12 NLT)
This leads to the question how can we be strong in the days of head regardless of what is happening all around? As you know I like acronyms. Below I have decided to share some thoughts using an acronym of the word “strong.”
Standing Strong in Life
Stand - 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. (Ephesians 6:13 NKJV)
Just like the Israelites when they said, “…We know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.“ (2 Chronicles 20:12,) After we've done all we know to do the best thing to do is “stand” and watch what God does. The whole story in chapter 20 is worth reading to see how with just the weapon of praise and worship the Israelites won their battle.
Trust - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5,6)
Though I could say a lot here, I won't here because it's plain and simple. Trust God's ways not our own.
Repent – Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out… (Acts 3:19a)
Two thoughts about repentance the first step of repentance is mentioned in the scripture above Acts 3:19. That's when we initially repent of our sin, turn to God and surrender our lives to Him.
However, that is just the beginning. As you read the next two scripture references keep in mind that these scriptures were written specifically for the church. Repentance should be an everyday part of our lives, not just a one time event. We should always be asking the Holy Spirit to show us when we were allowing our selfish desires to rule instead of Him.
Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test? (2 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NKJV)
Obey – For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. (1 John 3:5)
Again, obedience is to be a daily discipline in our lives. Sometimes the things in our lives that God will require of us don't make sense or are difficult decisions. But as I often say, obedience doesn't require understanding. We simply obey, take a step of faith and trust that understanding will come with each step.
This is especially true with these days when it's not just a matter of living sin free lives but in doing the things that God has called us to do and not our own thing. I could go off on another tangent here about how far removed the church has become from being the church scripturally. I do have another article that I've written in the past about it being time to turn the stage back into the altar.
As I mentioned above, as the church we have a responsibility to present and provide an answer of hope to a world of broken people.
Nevertheless - But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” (Luke 5:5 NKJV)
This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. Think about it these guys were professional fishermen. They knew what they were doing. They knew that they had fished all night and there was no fish there. So, it didn't make any sense to them when Jesus told him to “cast the net on the other side.”
But Peter, the disciple known for having a big mouth at times set a keyword, “nevertheless.” The times when life will be difficult and decision and that makes sense at times. It's in those times that we have to become a “nevertheless person.” Like, “OK Lord, I don't get it. Nevertheless, I will trust you.”
Go and Give – Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:19,20 NKJV)
In this point I really want to speak especially to the church. In this familiar scripture passage the command is to make disciples, not performers and celebrities. I read a quote recently that said, “A church who values discipleship over performance will produce disciples not performers.” (Author unknown)
Yes, discipleship is one of my soapboxes. The reason for that is I remember when I first started my journey as a believer in Jesus and there was no one to disciple me. Thankfully I learned a lot by reading the Bible on my own and the Lord finally did send someone to help me.
Another part of “Go” is about going to church consistently, supporting your local church, be a part of the family. And reach out into the community, being a light of hope to those all around us by sharing the Hope of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
Lastly, I included the word give. I did this because oftentimes when we are in a struggle feeling badly about how things are, one way to get out of a sad disposition is to reach out to others. When we take the focus off ourselves and put it on others, we often climb out of the pit we're in.
Therefore, it is important that we give our time, talent, and treasures in the church and in the community. It doesn't have to be a lot, just sincere, consistent and with a pure motive. In other words, just do something. Even if it's as simple as sending a card to someone who has been on your mind. Or making that phone call, or meeting for coffee. In other words, be “Jesus with skin on.”
Final Thoughts
Again, those who know me well know that my life words is” balance.” Am I saying that I expect us all to be strong all the time? Of course not. We have to keep things real. Life is downright tough at times. That's why it's important to be connected to a church family and have one or two accountability people in your life that are there to cheer you on and challenge you when you need it. We all need it.
One last thing… when you're encountering a tough season, take a moment to listen to the song “Strong” by Anne Wilson. It’s on YouTube.
Until next time remember, there is Hope beyond where you are.