Once again, we are facing trying times. It seems that the troubles just keep getting worse month by month. We see crises upon crises, and if you watch the news, you will find every reason to have fear and uncertainty.
And once again we have to ask ourselves, “What does the Bible say?”
First let’s ask ourselves, are we facing something “new”? Solomon wrote,
“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.“ (Ecclesiastes 1:9)
I’ve had people ask me if what we are seeing is God’s punishment for our sins? If we look into God’s Word, we will find the answer. During the times we are living in, it is important to understand that the things we are seeing are NOT from God. They are the work of our adversary, the devil. HE is the ruler of this present world.
“We know that we are of God, and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one.” (I John 5:19)
So is it any surprise then that we are witnessing disaster, confusion and chaos on a daily basis? We know that these attributes are is Satan’s M.O. – not God’s. (See John 10:10)
Secondly, we must learn to change our focus. It is time to stop looking at the things we see in the world and start to focus on God and His son. Jesus himself said that there would be tribulation in the world. But he also us told us where to find peace.
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Jesus said “I have overcome the world.” The biggest challenge that any of us will ever face is death. And Jesus OVERCAME DEATH. He died and rose out from among the dead and now lives forever. The great thing is – we look forward to the same future. We have been given eternal life because of our Savior’s work on the cross. And we can be assured that when he returns for us, we will enjoy an inheritance that he has won for us. This is something we should rejoice over.
With this is mind, we will be able to endure anything that the devil may throw at us. Satan’s goal is get us to turn our focus away from God and onto the situations we see around us. If we fall for this trick, he has won.
And finally, we need to realize that we are at war with the powers of darkness.
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)
We are in a spiritual fight, not a physical one. The only way to fight a spiritual battle is with spiritual armor.
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (verse 11)
If you keep reading this chapter you will find that much of this armor relates to the thoughts we put on in our minds. When we focus on what God has already done for us, we can defeat the enemy on a daily basis.
So let’s change our focus from the events we are bombarded with on a daily basis, to looking to the Father and the victory He has won for us through His son.
Love Always, Ray
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