Struggling

Are you struggling to fight the good fight of faith?  In these days of compromise and political correctness it seems like believers struggle trying to live a victorious life. There are so many distractions, temptations and hindrances that seem to pull at our minds and emotions.  We are bombarded with lies and all out deception.  Our country seems to be in spiritual bankruptcy and total unrest because of it.  It seems like our nation is crumbling financially because of corrupted government officials.  Many believers have to work longer hours sometimes even two or three jobs to just keep a roof over their heads and food on the table which in turn brings on stress, worry and weariness.  Many don’t even have jobs to go to with 13 million people out of work.  We are bombarded with evolution and other false religions.  Sometimes it seems like evil is winning over morality and righteousness.  

Many in the church seem to be compromising with the world causing a break down of the influence of the church on the world and our society.  Instead of doing what the Word says in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18, “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.  Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.  I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”  And also in Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  We end up many times compromising and ruining our testimony before the world.

Although it is true that we are called to be soul winners and in order to do that we have to mingle with non-believers, we are not to get tangled up in their sin or practice what they do, no, we need to be an example to them.  Many times it is very hard to tell who the authentic Christians are.  I have visited a few different places of worship lately and, except for a few exceptions, there seems to be very little joy, which Christians need to keep their strength up so that they can be victorious in the faith.  The Bible says, “The joy of the Lord is our strength,” in Nehemiah 8:9.  

When Ezra read the Book of the Law to the people they were sad and wept.  What they were encouraged to do was rejoice and celebrate and to eat and share with those in need.  There is something about giving and sharing that brings joy to one’s soul and you can’t beat the joy of the Lord for strength.  

Struggling is not always a bad thing, it all depends on how you handle the struggle, it can make you strong and help you to persevere in other struggles that may come your way.  Don’t let the tribulations, trials, situations or circumstances get you down, keep your eyes on the prize and don’t allow yourselves to get distracted by other non-essentials; give your burdens to the Lord for He cares for you.  Then start rejoicing and praising the Lord so that your strength will return and you will be much more prepared for the battle.  Instead of struggling, start snuggling and let the Lord put His great arms of love and compassion around you and infill you with His perfect peace and joy then the struggles won’t seem nearly as hard, praise the Lord!  Go forth and be an over-comer!  God bless you and have a great day!!