Category: Devotions

Fighting an Uphill Battle

 

"They strengthened the disciples in these cities and encouraged the disciples to remain faithful. Paul and Barnabas told them, "We must suffer a lot to enter the kingdom of God."  Acts 14:22(GWT)

 

Shoutout Numbers and Founders yay!  LOL  Anyway, how are you?  I know I had a mini breakdown today.  Difficulties abound but because I know His Word I cannot doubt Him.  But its hard fighting something that seems unwinnable (impossible to win) lol.  But because there is nothing that is impossible for God, I know that I am in the wake of my breakthrough.  Change is a-coming!  I can feel it!

 

It is hard to persevere sometimes when you feel all alone outside of your comfort zone.  The devil has chosen you on his list of people to attack today and he's going hard on you!  He ramped up in his attacks, often taking you to the brink of breaking, like a good breeze would knock you down.  He wants you to fail because he HATES you, he wants you to be defeated so that he can gloat to God–look at the book of Job in the first 3 chapters if you don't believe me.  A very wise lady from my job and I were talking and she said something that makes this crystal clear:  why would the devil attack the wicked, those that are living outside of God's will?  He already has them doing what he wants so he can spend his extra energy attacking you!

 

Its at these hard times that you should build your team and share the weight with your teammates.  You already have three in your starting lineup: The Father, The Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit that are here with you everyday!  When troubles stretch you to the point of breaking, its time for you to go to other mature Christians and gain some perspective.  Vent to them, and allow them to reflect back to you with words of wisdom from God.  In Proverbs 19:20-21, the Lord tells us to seek wise counsel.  You will solve two things at once:  you get the relieve the pressure of carrying your burdens alone, and you receive the truth only to be found in God's word.  We are going to experience suffering in God's name, but we must not give up!  We must use the tools and resources God gave us through the Holy Spirit, His Word, and other members of His body.  Keep fighting until your victory is won–God knows I love that song!  Good night!

 

"so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this." 1 Thessalonians 3:3

When the Seasons Change

 

"I, the LORD, never change. That is why you descendants of Jacob haven't been destroyed yet." Malachi 3:6

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:7

 

I don't know about you, but when it's time to "Fall Back", I brace myself for the change in season.  The leaves if any are left on the trees, fall rapidly.  They go from the vivid colors of the fall to the naked trees of the winter.  It gets darker sooner, the sun only graces us with its presence for a short time, and it gets cold.  As drastic (to me) as changes in season are, our own human change is usually not.  Human behavior does not mirror that of the changing world because we do not naturally like change.  Over time, we get accustomed to it, but who in their right mind would welcome it?

 

The only steadfast and permanent thing in life is God's love, presence, and whole state of being.  God does not change.  Neither does His love, plan, and goal for us.  God does not change like our shadows.  He does not fluctuate like our weight, and He does not waver!  The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one and their promise to be there for us is still valid.  The seasons change and are the opportunity for us to grow in God.  Good night and I love you!  Keep me in your prayers and I will do the same!

 

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever."  Hebrews 13:8

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God loves you…He blesses you with another day so make the most of it!

Marquita B. Priester