Most of us, or possibly all of us have crumbled under pressure. Pressure from the world. Pressure from work, from finances, relationships - you name it. It's hard to fight your own battle. We'd like to think we can, but we turn up short, exhausted and emotionally drained. I am guilty of this. It's the controlling side of me that loves to solve my own problems. I go off emotions and get caught up making rash decisions. I try to take the easy way - or what appears to be, only to find myself in a deeper hole than before. Nothing works. My way just doesn't work.
When we get those phone calls that turn our day upside down we should not crumble and we should not place ourselves in a river of worry. I know - you are thinking easier said that done. I get it. Even though I would consider myself with faith as strong as a body builder, I too can falter and doubt.
This world is not always a happy place. It changed the day Eve took a bite out of that apple. We have been told that we will have trails and tribulation in this world (John 16:33), so it shouldn't come as a surprise that we will have setbacks and sorrow. But God didn't leave us out to dry. He has equipped us to be warriors not worriers.
A warrior is a brave solider engaged in warfare. While we are not physically fighting on a battlefield, we are in a war everyday against the evil one. We are literally fighting for our lives and the lives of others. The enemy came to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10) and you can bet your last dollar that he will do any and everything to make your time here on Earth a living hell.
The good news is that we don't have to go through this war alone or unequipped. God has instructed us many times in the bible not to fear (ex. Isaiah 41:10, John 14:27, Joshua 1:9). He has also instructed us not to worry (Matthew 6:34). So let us take heart and know that our God is a BIG God and He is in control. If He allowed something to happen, please know that He will provide a way through. So many times we are so quick to pray away our problems without realizing or appreciating the setback as a setup to something bigger and better. God uses all things for the greater good. (Romans 8:28).
As soon as you feel the fear creep in, recognize that it is from the evil one. He has studied us and knows our weaknesses. This is exactly where he will target us. She's impatient, let's throw every detour down her way. She's angry, oh this will be fun. This one here, she's insecure. Let's fill her head and let her think she's too fat. Oh and that one, she's got trust issues. Let's send her some creep to break her heart. All those daily battles we fight in our mind are all from him. He will attack us in anyway he can. He is the king of slime balls! So how do we equip ourselves to fight these battles? Simple. Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-19).
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of sickness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness and having shod your feet with preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray.....Ephesians 6:10-19
We have the strength and power of God but we must activate by devoting ourselves to His word that can only be found in the Bible. Graduate from devotional to full devotion to God. Read, memorize and speak the word of God. Activate His Power.
Lord, while we do not understand why we are facing what is currently at our feet, we trust that all things work for good. You have promised beauty for ashes and we will hold onto that. O' Lord it is not easy. We want to break and become angry and bitter. But we shall not fall into the evil one's schemes. We will activate your strength to sustain us through these trails. Lord your love never fails and today we want to thank you for being our rock, our comforter, our healer and most importantly our Savior. Amen.
