"I can't do this. This is just too hard."... Don't we have moments in our lives where we feel like giving up?
Perhaps we're struggling to keep our heads above the water in our finances, we're still struggling with a troubled relationship, or even to find another job. Whether at school, at work, or even at home, we can feel outnumbered and helpless...
But I believe if we're going to be faithful believers in the Kingdom of God, we cannot quit when things get tough. We often want God to be with us through "thick and thin", but I believe like in any relationship, things come "both ways".
Deut 20:1-4
When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. 2 When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. 3 He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. 4 For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
When we feel fainthearted, we need to dig our heels in and exclaim in lionlike faith, "I won't let my heart lose hope! God will help me! I am not going to give up or quit, no matter how hard it gets or how long it takes!" for victory is ours through Christ.
"Our fears today, our worries tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away" (Romans 8:31, Romans 8:37-38)- iWorship Bible
We are called to be lionhearted Lambs
A beautiful thing about God's word is that we get to discover who God is. We get to see the three parts of His personality (God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit) .
As we read Deut. 20:1-4, we're encouraged to to be as bold as a lion, just like God...the Lion of Judah!, on the other hand we see Jesus who is humble, gentle, meek, and lowly- not harsh, hard, sharp or pressing.
We are called to resist Satan and all his evil works as aggressively and boldly as a lion, but when we have to deal with people, we should try to be very gentle unless the situation calls us to apply a little tough love.
The Holy Spirit is also very gentle and sensitive. When we are harsh on people we can definitely offend the Holy Spirit.
No matter what temperament, we all face times when we are called to be a lion and times we're called to be a lamb. Ask God for the wisdom and direction in every situation on how to react.
What battles are you fighting today? God is fighting for you, you only have to be STILL! (Exodus 14:14) Praise Him for the victory is Yours!, because it will certainly come!
Have a blessed weekend,
Angie