Tags
1 Corinthians 15:57-58, 1 Peter 5:6-11, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Ephesians 6:10-12, God's Grace IS Sufficient, Hebrews 4:12-13, Isaiah 30:21, Isaiah 40:31, Our God Reigneth!, Philippians 4;13, Resting Or Wrestling?, Revelation 19:6, The Struggle IS Real?, Trusting God
Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 01 The Struggle Is Real???
There are times when things “roll on” with little or no difficulties; and then there are those times which come, and often stay way longer than we expected, yet our God still reigns. So, regardless of the trials, difficulties, choices, and uncertainty that I/we may face, our God always has the answer; if we will but hear, heed, and follow HIM.
“And I heard as it were
the voice of a great multitude,
and as the voice of many waters,
and as the voice of mighty thunderings,
saying,
Alleluia:
for the Lord God omnipotent
reigneth.” Revelation 19:6
We have but to “fix our eyes” on Jesus and learn to “wait” on HIM—oh, that is so easy to write, but not so easy to do all the time.
“And thine ears shall hear
a word behind thee, saying,
This is the way,
walk ye in it,
when ye turn
to the right hand,
and when ye turn
to the left.” Isaiah 30:21
And of course, the wonderful passage reminding us of God’s perfect provision that is always there when we are weak. Paul wrestled with this dilemma just like we do, yet God gave him the same assurance that we have today; for God’s grace is always my/our strength when we find ourselves feeling weak, desperate, or confused about which way to go.
“And lest I should be exalted
above measure
through the abundance of the revelations,
there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,
the messenger of Satan
to buffet me,
lest I should be exalted
above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,
that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me,
My grace is sufficient
for thee:
for my strength is made perfect
in weakness.
Most gladly therefore
will I rather glory in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ
may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure
in infirmities,
in reproaches,
in necessities,
in persecutions,
in distresses
for Christ’s sake:
for when I am weak,
then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Even as Paul told the Philippian believers:
“I can do
all things
through Christ
which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
Paul also told the believers at Ephesus that the battle is real, but we have all we need from God—put on that armor of GOD!
“Finally, my brethren,
be strong
in the Lord,
and in the power
of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour
of God,
that ye may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle
not against flesh and blood,
but
against principalities,
against powers,
against the rulers
of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness
in high places.” Ephesians 6:10-12
We can count on God’s Word, for that very reason! What reason, you might ask? Because it IS GOD’S WORD—and it was, is and ever shall be the standard against which all things will be measured!
“For the word of God is
quick,
and powerful,
and sharper than any twoedged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder
of soul and spirit,
and of the joints and marrow,
and is a discerner
of the thoughts
and intents
of the heart.
13 Neither is there any creature
that is not manifest in his sight:
but all things
are naked
and opened
unto the eyes of him
with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:12-13
It is GOD “with whom we have to do”! As I often say, “Choose wisely, there is a test!” It will be God’s test, according to The Word of God, regardless of what you have done with it in this life. And a closing word from the Apostle Peter to those who were suffering for their faith. May we be found faithful in all we say and do!
“Humble yourselves therefore
under the mighty hand of God,
that he may exalt you
in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him;
for he careth for you.
8 Be sober,
be vigilant;
because your adversary the devil,
as a roaring lion,
walketh about,
seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,
knowing that the same afflictions
are accomplished in your brethren
that are in the world.
10 But the God of all grace,
who hath called us
unto his eternal glory
by Christ Jesus,
after that ye have suffered a while,
make you perfect,
stablish,
strengthen,
settle you.
11 To him be glory
and dominion
for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:6-11
Remember, “the Lord God omnipotent reigneth”!
“But thanks be to God,
which giveth us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,
be ye stedfast,
unmoveable,
always abounding
in the work of the Lord,
forasmuch as ye know
that your labour is not in vain
in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:57-58
“Casting all your care upon him;
for he careth
for you”
Waiting isn’t our favorite, but it is what God often calls us to!
“But they that wait upon the LORD
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings
as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Amen and Amen!!!