We live in times which can try the hearts of man! The evil one has a strong foothold over the hearts of many and nearly complete control of our civil governments. Our government leaders seem to implement a spiritual firewall, proudly making decisions without even suggesting we should pray, seek the will of the Father, and make our decisions accordingly. It wasn’t that long ago, during WWII for instance, when a president would take to the airwaves to inform the public of important matters and encourage all to pray for God’s blessing, wisdom, and that His will would be accomplished. It’s now the “wisdom of man” proudly leading the way – at all levels of government. This thinking can even infiltrate the church, clouding or resulting in a focus on the creation instead of the Creator and justifying the failure to preach the whole gospel – so as to not offend anyone. Although we are to always walk in love, as God is love, sometimes we need to reflect and ask ourselves, who do we fear more, man or God?
We should regularly remind ourselves that Jesus conquered the grave (death) at the cross, freely sacrificing Himself and washing away our sin with His blood, for all time. No other sacrifice would have been sufficient. He secured victory against the evil one and provided us the way of salvation, which is only through Christ Jesus.
Well, I guess everything is perfect and if we’re upset about anything, it must be our fault then! My brothers and sisters, do not despair! This is the word the Lord put in my spirit. Do not despair. I have struggled, and maybe some of you have too, to keep a focus on the victory and the love we have in Jesus, no matter the worldly circumstances. Yes, we live in a fallen world and the Lord Himself makes it clear that if He was persecuted, so shall we. But the word also says that He will never leave us nor forsake us; He is for us, not against us; when we’re weak, then we’re strong because we are trusting in Him; God’s love never fails; and, that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Of course, it’s easy to say this, but it’s not always so easy to walk it out!
If you will, let’s pray. Father, I come before you today with a thankful heart, for You are kind and faithful to forgive, even when I have moments of fear, unjustified anger or confusion, or don’t walk in the fullness of faith. Your word says, and I declare, that You never faint or grow weary, and that if I wait upon the Lord, You’ll give me strength (Isaiah 40:28-31). Your word says that although I may feel beaten down or perplexed, I need not despair and I will not be destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:7-9). Your word says that You gave me a new song of praise, lifted me out the pit of despair, and set my feet on solid ground. You said that many would see the goodness of God operating in my life and that they would put their trust in the Lord. Help me to always remember that my life is not always about me or what You can do for me, but for others who need to know Your love and salvation (Psalm 40:2-3). Help me, Lord, to not grow weary or suffer despair while doing Your will (Galatians 6:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:13, and Galatians 6:9). I give You all the praise, honor and glory, and ask these things in the name of Jesus!
Supporting Scripture:
Isaiah 40:28-31, NKJV
28“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, [t]he Creator of the ends of the earth, [n]either faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29He gives power to the weak, [a]nd to those who have no might He increases strength. 30Even the youths shall faint and be weary, [a]nd the young men shall utterly fall, 31[b]ut those who wait on the Lord [s]hall renew their strength; [t]hey shall mount up with wings like eagles, [t]hey shall run and not be weary, [t]hey shall walk and not faint.”
2 Corinthians 4:7-9, NKJV
7“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…”.
2 Corinthians 12:10, NKJV
“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Psalm 40:2-3, NLT
2“He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. 3He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.”
Galatians 6:9, NKJV
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
2 Thessalonians 3:13, NKJV
“But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.”
Galatians 6:9, AMP
“Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in.”