What Good is Faith ... ? This is really only half of the question. What good is Faith (yours or mine) if we only have in the good times? I personally encounter this phenomenon quite a bit. When things are going well, it is quite easy for me to have all the faith in the world. But when the storm comes, when the devil returns to make another run at me I find it much harder to stand in faith much harder to resist. In reality, this is when we need our faith the most, isn't it? If we cannot stand in faith during these attacks, then how can we expect God to show up, to intervene on our behalf if we don't have faith that he will. Faith is much like a muscle, it grows or gets stronger the more we use it. Faith cannot be the shield that God meant it to be if we never use it, it cannot protect us from the fiery arrows of the devil if we don't hold it up, and keep holding it up. The more fiery arrows headed our way the more we need that shield, the more resolute we must be in our Faith.
I was thinking earlier today that it had been some time since I felt compelled to post anything, funny how these things work out.
God, I need you to show up in my life in a greater way, again. To let me take refuge in your shadow, again. If there is anything that I need to change, I humbly ask that you reveal it to me and give the willingness to listen. And God, give the strength to keep holding that shield of faith between me and the devil, no matter how long the attack may last (I would consider a kindness though if the attack was shorter than longer).
And thank you for your word.
Isaiah 41:9-10 NLT
I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, ‘You are my servant.’ For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Psalm 50:15 NLT
Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory."
Psalm 34:4-6 NLT
I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Matthew 6:33-34
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. "So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Isaiah 54-17
But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!
Numbers 6:24-26
24 'May the Lord bless you and protect you. 25 May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. 26 May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.'
Deuteronomy 32:34-35
34 "The LORD says, 'Am I not storing up these things,
sealing them away in my treasury?
35 I will take revenge; I will pay them back.
In due time their feet will slip.
Their day of disaster will arrive,
and their destiny will overtake them.'
Psalm 27:13-1413 Yet I am confident I will see the LORD's goodness
while I am here in the land of the living.
14 Wait patiently for the LORD.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.
Psalm 60:12
12 With God we will gain the victory,
and he will trample down our enemies