Tug of War

Read

James 1:2-3, 12 "Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance…Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

Think

God calls us to rescue others – sharing our faith and hope found in Jesus. But once we commit to being a rescuer, we can be sure that there is going to be a tug-of-war with the enemy. Here’s the good news: if the enemy didn’t see you as a threat, you wouldn’t be facing a trial!

We all face trials, but how we CHOOSE to respond shows where we place our faith. So often, when we are closest to our breakthrough, we are hit even harder; we find ourselves trying to dodge every arrow slung in our direction. For many, it's too hard. Too much. We want to give up. We get tired of doing the same things over and over. We feel like we’re all alone.

But, we’re aren’t alone! When we open our hearts and lives to Christ, we invite Him to dwell IN us. And sometimes we need to stir that faith back up within us. Because if we are still breathing, God is not finished with us yet. There is a purpose in our pain, and God will work ALL things together for good.

Have you lost your job? A loved one? Yourself? Did you make the same mistake again that you promised yourself last week you weren't going to do?

Aren't you glad to know that it isn't up to us and our one million attempts at doing life "right," to get right with God? God has already worked out the details of your life, and He still loves you! You don’t have to try to get it right on your own. Knowing and believing in your Savior sets you free. Choose today to walk in that faith and be free from condemnation and the labels this world has placed on you.

God has NOT forgotten you. He is going to use this very season of your life to change not only you, but someone else. Be ready!

Act

Write this down in a note on your phone or in your notebook:

"Greater is He who is IN me than he who is in the world. I am more than a conqueror in this life. For I am the head, and not the tail, and NO weapon formed against ME will prosper. I will prosper as my soul prospers…I will bless others because God blesses me. I will rescue others because God rescued me"…

Pray

Thank You, Heavenly Father, that my right standing with You is not of my own doing, but through Jesus. Thank You that Your mercies are new every morning, and I get another chance to make a difference in this life. Use me, Lord. I pray for divine opportunities to rescue those in need of the Savior. Show me who I can help and bless today. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.