FAITH FOR THIS FIGHT

There’s no place more uncomfortable for a believer to be than on the downside of a faith fight. Physical strength being zapped is one thing, but what do you do when the strength that matters most – spiritual strength – seems non-existent? There are lows we experience in this life that Satan tries to convince you are impossible to overcome. He uses the strategy of hopelessness to deceive you into thinking our situation is the worst ever. Along this path, if you are not careful, doubt will begin to creep in. Once it does, there’s no room for faith to remain. This dear friend is the beginning of losing the fight.

Being consumed by doubt, in even its smallest measure, is spiritually equivalent to a prizefighter entering the ring blindfolded. Every trying situation in our lives, whether or great or small, is successfully conquered by some measure of faith. Let’s look to the Word. 2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us that “we walk by faith, not by sight.” This means that no matter what you might be going through in life—no matter what, you must focus on trusting in God versus the climate of circumstance. Bad health report? Walk by faith! Sinking in debt? Walk by faith! Family strife, broken heart, financial disaster—WALK. BY. FAITH! Faith isn’t “helpful,” it’s essential! Hebrews 11: 6 says, “And without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him” (ESV).

Why? Why is faith so key in our success as Christians? Think about it. The first step to a relationship with Jesus Christ in and of itself is established first by faith. Accepting Jesus Christ to be Lord and Savior of your heart without ever physically laying eyes on Him is predicated on nothing more than trusting He even exists. That is the greatest display of faith! If Satan can uproot your faith, he can rock the very foundation of your salvation. The moment you begin to doubt that God can save you from a trying situation is the moment that opens the door for you to question your salvation altogether. At all costs, never lose your faith! As a preemptive measure, focus first on never losing your joy; the Bible says that “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). That means even when you face trying times, you clench tightly to optimism. You focus on the bigger picture and purpose to see God’s hand at work on your behalf.

Is it always easy? Of course not, but it is always necessary. James 1:2 – 4 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

We see from these verses that the trying of your faith through difficult situations ultimately makes you better. How would you know that God is a healer unless you overcame sickness? How would you trust in Him as a Provider unless He moved mightily on your behalf concerning a financially impossible situation? You wouldn’t. You must endure hard times to have the testimony about his goodness. Revelations 12:11 reminds us that the children of God “conquered him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” When you have faith in the victory Jesus purchased for you with His blood there is nothing you cannot conquer. And when you share your testimony about how He saved you, healed you, provided for you; others will glean hope from it and draw near to Him as well.

Instead of embracing sorrow, embrace God’s plan. No matter how hard your trial may seem, He promises to never place more on your shoulders than you are able to bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). That means He’s confident in your ability to come out on top! You are not a victim of the hard circumstances you endure; you are a victor waiting for “this too” to pass—and it shall!