1Corinthians 16:13, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (NIV).
She was very sick. James 5:13 says to anoint and pray for the ill and the sick person will become well. So, we did that. She passed away.
The tornado was rapidly approaching. “Lord, please protect our house.” We watched helplessly as our home was wiped off the face of the earth.
“Lord, I can’t deal with this pain anymore. Please heal me.” My pain intensified.
Where is your God now?
He doesn’t answer prayers.
You have been preaching about trust, faith and healing for years and you have stood on Scripture so many times.
Now your God has let you down.
Doesn’t Satan have the knack of kicking you when it feels like you are at the weakest point of your life? I think the great opportunity for Satan to kick us when we are down is also when we focus on our “human thoughts” such as God, why did you not answer my prayers? Do you know what I am going through? Do you know that I am hurting? Do you care?
Brothers and sisters, stand firm in the faith! Instead of focussing on “human thoughts” focus on Jesus. It is precisely in times of trouble when we should remember that God is good no matter if the outcome is death, sickness, natural disaster, or even an internal battle. Our circumstances do not change the character of God. God stays good and there is the greater purposes of God are unfolding. Romans 8:28 reads, “We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose,” (CEV). So, in faith, stand firm!
Faith is staying true to God when it feels like everything is going wrong.
Faith is trusting God even when the storms are raging, and it feels as if the boat is going to sink.
Faith is holding on when our natural inclination is to give up or give in.
Faith is believing God’s Word despite circumstances.
Faith is saying, “God, I don’t understand it all, but I am going to trust you anyhow.”
Faith is saying, “God, in You I can courageously stand and find my strength.”
Faith is saying, “I know that God has got this.”
Don’t allow Satan to try and destroy your faith with seeds of doubt. Don’t let him kick you when you are down. Transform your thoughts from self to Jesus. When you are down, look up. “I look to the hills! Where will I find help? It will come from the LORD, who created the heavens and the earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2 CEV).Standing strong in the faith also means trusting God, His timing and His outcomes. To God be the glory, now and forevermore. Amen.