In the past few months, too many difficult situations have been thrust upon us. These situations can truly test our faith. God never said that His children would be exempt from life's difficulties. In fact, His word prepares us for such struggles by plainly telling us they will come. Listen closely:
"Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."{2 Timothy 3:12}
"But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber."{2 Peter 2:1-3}
"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."{Ephesians 6:11,12}
"Who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls."{ 1 Peter 1:5-9}
These are just a few of the many passages that warn us in preparation for the onslaught of problems the devil and this life bring our way. But, before you begin to think that all is doom and gloom, please consider why God revealed these things to us. In order that we can prepare to defeat our enemies on all fronts-wherever they may attack us. God never said that once we say NO to the devil, he will give up and leave us alone. Quite the opposite is true. He will use every discouragement we endure in this life to open doors that enable him to gain an advantage over us and bring us again into the bondage of sin.
Do you see why one's faith is of such great importance? It's not something to put on a lapel pin or bumper sticker, we need to put faith to work in our lives. This is why the Hebrews writer told us that without it-we can't please Him {Hebrews 11:6}. Faith is an individual thing, and each of us has either a strong or a weak faith.
Obedient faith will help carry God's people through the many trials and valleys we must trod during our journeys here. Some are more difficult than others, but we can overcome them all by putting our faith to work and trusting God to do His part.
Life can sometimes overwhelm us and buckle our knees. Just remember; you're not alone. God has promised to remain at your side {Hebrews 13:5,6}. We shed many tears during life's journey. But we believe in a place where God will wipe away our tears {Revelation 21:3,4}. In order to achieve that lofty goal, we must put our faith into practice during the struggles we face here on earth. Our faith and His grace-a winning combination!