In my March 11th Facebook feed came the following:
“God is saying to you today, I know you have been struggling for a long time. Financially, spiritually, and emotionally. You have a good heart and people have abused you in many ways. The devil has tried to make you lose your mind many times. You have been betrayed in many ways… yet you stand in the midst of your storms. You are still here because I am with you. I will not allow any weapon that is formed against you to prosper. Fear not, I am going to turn things around and bless you in the presence of your enemies. Hold onto your faith.”
There are many likes, amens and shares. But why is this tugging at the heartstrings of so many people? Simply because it speaks directly to what the majority of us are going through. We are looking for comfort, we are looking for an end to hardship, we are looking for blessings and we are looking for a deeper relationship with God.
In the absence of direct references to Scripture, I have some questions:
- Is God saying this to everyone?
- Is God speaking outside of the Bible?
- Is it theologically accurate?
I don’t know if God is saying this to everyone. I do know that God does not speak outside of the Bible and there may be clearer ways in which some things can be phrased. But I understand the heart of what is being said and intended. And in a sense, it is necessary to remind ourselves that God saves, God sees, God loves, God comforts and God restores.
Perhaps then we can confess…“God knows (1 John 3:20) what you are going through. He will never let you fall, and He cares for you (Psalm 55:22 & 1 Peter 5:7). God is your protection and strength; He is an ever-present help in trouble, and you need not fear (Psalm 46:1-2). The devil is on the prowl and you must be alert (1 Peter 5:8). You have been persecuted, struck down, perhaps even abandoned. Don’t despair, you will not be destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). God is with you (Galatians 2:20) and will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5). No weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Put on the full armour of God (Ephesians 6:11) and be strong in His power. You are blessed by God (Romans 4:7-8) our help and hope (Psalm 146:5). God will restore your soul (Psalm 23:3) and give back to you the joy of your salvation (Psalm 51:12). So hold onto your faith and keep pressing onward (Hebrews 12:1) for His name’s sake.”