Facing Adversity

"We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body." -  2 Corinthians 4:8-10

I have been writing about the harsh realities of being a Christian living in a "pagan" world among people whose hearts are far from God. In times past, Christians could live in virtual enclaves, insulated from the world and its depravation. You could limit your exposure and associations to other people of faith. But not today. The defense perimeter that once surrounded our homes and our families has been breached by technology and local, state and federal government redefinitions of what is right and good and normal.  

As people of faith, we are hard pressed by what is happening all around us, perplexed by how such a thing could happen, persecuted when we take a stand for what the Word says is Truth, verbally and socially struck down. But not crushed in our spirit, in despair of what the future holds (we know Who holds the future), forsaken or abandoned by God, our faith is not destroyed.  Being a person of faith has never been in more contrast  to the world we live in. Actually our new life in Christ has always been in stark contrast to the natural world we were saved out of. It just has never been more apparent. 

The temptation is to focus on what is happening around us and take our eyes off of God. To wonder what we are going to do. Might I suggest this as a course of action?

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" - Ephesians 6:10-18

In other words as Watchman Nee wrote - Sit - Walk - and Stand. (that is s great book to read BTW)

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone