The Unavoidable Realities of Following Jesus
As believers, we often assume that accepting Christ into our lives will guarantee a smooth and trouble-free journey. However, this misconception can lead many to return to their old ways, deceived by the enemy’s lies that God has abandoned them or that their brief experience of freedom was not meant to last.
The Temptations We Will Face
Jesus Himself was tempted, and we will be too. Immediately after His baptism, the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness to be tempted. We will encounter temptations daily, but we can call on Jesus, who understands our struggles. His Word is our shield and protector, helping us emerge stronger and deeper in our faith.
The Deception We Will Encounter
People will try to trick and manipulate us, just as they did with Jesus. We will face gossip, deceit, and lies designed to make us stumble. Our response should be to hate the sin, not the people. We must pray for those who wrong us and seek refuge in God’s temple.
The Spiritual Forces We Will Battle
As followers of Christ, we will be attacked by spiritual forces, just as Jesus was. But we have the armor of God and the power of prayer to overcome these forces. We must pray for the saints, hate the sin, and seek refuge in God’s temple.
The World’s Rejection We Will Face
The world will not love us as it once did, and it will try to silence us. This is the ultimate test of our faith, where many Christians falter. But we must remember that we are no longer of this world; we have been chosen by God. We need fellowship with fellow believers to support us in loving those who hate us and showing them the same grace God shows us.
The Eternal Perspective
Our walk with the Lord is not easy, but it is worth it. We must keep our minds focused on the eternity we have been promised with God. Through the trials and challenges, we grow closer to God, and our relationship with Him deepens. Let us not forget the miracle of our salvation and run to God when things get hard.
A Prayer for Perseverance
God, when the world is against me, remind me that You are for me. Help me never to discount the miracle of my salvation and to be quick to run to You in times of struggle. In Your name, I pray, Amen.
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