Ever have your faith tested? Ever been challenged by someone who is not a believer? Ever been attacked for what you believe? For many Christians in the world those are daily realities. How does a believer cope?
Psalm 11:3 (here @ Bible Gateway) sheds some light on this. In the context David is under attack, the wicked are loading bows with arrows with which to fire at him. Note the response. If the foundation is destroyed there is little hope.
There are seemingly two elements to the foundation. First, Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11 (here @ Bible Gateway)). Second, the Word of God (John 8:31 – 32 (here @ Bible Gateway)), if we do not abide in His Word we are not disciples. Further, if we do not abide we do not have with which to fight (Ephesians 6:10 – 20 (here @ Bible Gateway)).
It may not be a stretch to suggest that if we do not build those foundational elements into our communities, they will fail.
Psalm 11:3 (here @ Bible Gateway) sheds some light on this. In the context David is under attack, the wicked are loading bows with arrows with which to fire at him. Note the response. If the foundation is destroyed there is little hope.
There are seemingly two elements to the foundation. First, Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11 (here @ Bible Gateway)). Second, the Word of God (John 8:31 – 32 (here @ Bible Gateway)), if we do not abide in His Word we are not disciples. Further, if we do not abide we do not have with which to fight (Ephesians 6:10 – 20 (here @ Bible Gateway)).
It may not be a stretch to suggest that if we do not build those foundational elements into our communities, they will fail.
This are vital considerations for our day. We American believers tend to live such shallow lives because we can so easily be wrapped up in "secular" pursuits and worldly pursuits that the devil is happy to leave us alone. When we start to live lives of serving Christ, trying to reach out and impact others and use our resources of both energy, time and money that He gets concerned. His approach seems usually to be subtle, little chips out of our walls over long periods. Recently, as I struggled in prayer, I asked myself, "Why is prayer SO hard?! I didn't like the suggestion that came: "I don't really believe that God will answer." Of course one reason could be that I'm asking for the wrong things or results. But I fear that most of the time, my requests seem (to me) to be things God won't do.
ReplyDeleteThankfully the Scriptures are full of assurances and examples that God will certainly answer; He is a prayer answering God!
One I have been trying to frequently meditate on and acknowledge is Psalm 54:2, memorized decades ago: "O You who hear prayer, to You shall all flesh come."
So simple, but explosive!
Prayer for me is hard because I don't want to do it. It is much easier to do than it is to sit still and submit. I live with the delusion that I can pretty much figure anything out, fix anything, do anything, if I just work at it.
DeleteThe Lord laughs at that. As I fail miserably. No, He is probably weeping desiring me to come to Him first.
I am a slow learner.