We live in the day and age of discouragement. As a Christian we are disillusioned at times with what is taking place all around us. Christian principles and values are being taken away and persecution is on the rise. The day we Christians celebrate as Christ’s birth is no longer spoke of as Christmas by many. Instead of hearing Merry Christmas we hear happy holidays. There seems to be a war on nativity scenes and many other things that relate to our Christian faith.
This country was founded on freedom of religion and freedom of speech as well as Christian principles and values. Today there is still freedom of religion, but not of Christianity.
Our young people and adults are being bombarded with lies and deception in schools, on the television, computers, the liberal media, radio, magazines, movies, cell phones and other sources. Satan is the prince of this world and his influence seems to be everywhere. In our churches, entertainment is on the rise, watered down sermons are heard many times instead of biblical doctrine. The intent is to be user-friendly and not to offend at any cost. Temptation seems to be everywhere and our faith is being tested. It is easy to see and understand why many are discouraged and disillusioned.
I want to encourage you today by saying that you are not alone in your struggle. First I want to remind you of what the Word says about temptation in 1st Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” We know that temptation will always be there but God’s grace will always be there also, along with His power within us, namely the Holy Spirit, in our lives to help us when we are tempted, praise the Lord.
Another thing I want to bring to your remembrance is that we are not alone in our struggles, there are many others that have experienced, or are experiencing many of the same things that we are experiencing today and they have never been completely overcome by them, which should help spur us on so that we will also be overcomers. I want you to meditate on what Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”
The 11th chapter of Hebrews should be a great encouragement to anyone in the faith that is struggling. It is called the faith chapter by many because it speaks of many of the saints in the Old Testament that went through many trials and tribulations, far more than we face today, and like it says in Revelation 12:11, “And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” All these people never gave up even if it would cost them their lives and many of the faithful in the Old and New Testaments did die for their faith.
Jesus set an example, He gave His life for them and us and they in turn gave their lives for Him. Just keep in mind, when you stand face to face with the Lord someday it will be more than worth it all. “What a glorious day that will be.” And never forget the witness from the crowd that went on before us. I hope you have been encouraged and spurred on today to keep your eyes on the prize, which is Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, may God bless you and have a great day! And don’t forget to thank and praise the Lord!!
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