Articles
Times Of Struggle
There are times when it seems like the adversary is winning. It seems like we face constant attack, and we feel like we are being defeated. We feel like he is destroying both us and our families. I suppose we should not be surprised. He assaulted the Lord’s disciples. The Lord told them that he would. So, why should we be any different? Here are just a few reminders to have in the back of our minds when it seems like we are being constantly bombarded.
First, defeat the adversary by constant prayer. In trying times, more than ever we need strength from Lord. We need help from the other side. We need the strength that no one else can give us. His strength can be ours. It is available to us if we want it (Jas. 1:5). All giants are smaller and all problems shrivel-up when God is with us. His strength is there for us if we just go to God (1 John 5:14-15). God has His will for us and His will for us is far greater than our will for ourselves. We need strength to face problems and difficulties in life, strength and wisdom that can come only from Him. God will not do without prayer what He promises to do through prayer. We need to come to God and make our petitions and wants known to Him (Phil. 4:6,7). Don’t feed discouragement by failing to pray. We often sing “What a friend we have in Jesus" by Joseph M. Scriven. One of the verses: "Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge—Take it to the Lord in prayer."
Second, defeat the adversary with undaunting trust in the Lord. He will keep His promises. There is no such thing as a broken promise to God (Isa. 43:1-2). Why be discouraged? Why be dismayed? God is for us to strengthen us. God is with us to encourage us. He is above us to watch over us. He is beneath us to support us. We sometimes sing about "Leaning on The Everlasting Arms"… or, "Safe In The Arms Of Jesus", and then walk as if we think He wants to drop us and doesn't have the strength to hold us. But underneath are the everlasting arms of Jesus. The power that was exercised in creating the world, in raising Jesus from the dead, can shape the conditions of our life and strengthen us to overcome (Eph. 3:20). When we are tested in obeying His will even as the adversary attacks, that does not mean He is against us.
Third, defeat the adversary with a steadfast faith. We cannot have a defeatist spirit. God is for us. We will win. We can be what God wants us to be (Romans 8:31-32, 37). We were not born again to be cut down and defeated again. We are not programmed for failure. God wants us to be with Him in Heaven. We must be careful not to magnify our situation and minimize the power of God. That is what the ten spies did (Numbers 13:33). Joshua and Caleb said, “We are well able to overcome.” We can say, “God is with us.” How could Paul be in prison and be able to go on day by day in that prison? “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13). That is present tense. He just kept on day by day. The Psalmist said, “For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth:” (Psa. 71:4-6). The Lord said He would never leave us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5-6).
So, when the days seem darkest, and the moments seem so heavy, and the burdens seem overwhelming, remember Satan can only win if we allow him to.
God loves us no matter what we have done. He could not love us more and He will never love us less. We come to Him, and in this, there is assurance.
Rickie Jenkins
