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The Struggle is Real

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For the last several weeks I have found it difficult to write in my blog. So much has been happening. With the excitement of publishing my new book, the busyness of the holidays, the craziness of the political scene, and the stresses of major financial burdens, life has been very… interesting. Add to all of this the emotional ups and downs of ministering to people and I have found myself drained—empty emotionally and spiritually.

I know I am not alone in this. Many struggle with this emptiness. Some of you may find yourselves empty as well. I think it happens most often when we give a lot of ourselves but do not take time to refill our own emotional and spiritual wells. There’s also the stressful moments that can catch us by surprise and throw off our otherwise normally balanced life. It could also be possible that we can become distracted by outside sources and forget to spend quality “me” time with God. In any case, it is not a pleasant experience and can discourage us on our Christian journey.

Strangely, in moments like these, when we need encouragement the most, we tend to hide from people. I wonder if this is because we seem to believe that it is wrong to admit, or rarely hear others admitting, any kind of emotional and spiritual struggles. It’s as if there is an unspoken teaching that struggles are a sign of weakness and weakness is a sin. Or maybe it’s simply a remnant of nature in us: survival of the fittest—don’t let anyone think you are weak—fake it, or die!

Why are we so afraid to admit we struggle? We can’t avoid it. Some may be too scared to admit it, others may be to proud, but every Christian struggles. The Bible says we are all sinners (Romans 3:23). Adding to our already handicapped nature is the fact that our adversary is constantly battling against us (1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 6:11). It’s not a passive attack either, Satan comes straight at us, full of anger, because he knows his time is short (Revelation 12:12). And if that wasn’t enough, you don’t have to be a Christian long to learn that his attacks increase the closer you get to God. As Paul said, “I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand” (Romans 7:21). With all of this against us, it’s amazing we could have any time of peace!

So we will struggle. Everyone who decides to follow Christ. I know, sounds like a pretty bad deal. Yet, Jesus didn’t shy away from telling us it would be this way. He said, quite bluntly, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). You will get bumps and bruises. You will find yourself empty and discouraged. You will mess up and fall. It will happen. Prepare for it.

BUT… (I love that Jesus wasn’t finished speaking.) “But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Yes, we may struggle on our journey with Jesus, but as long as we rely on His strength, we will not be defeated. Because He is our Refuge and Strength (Psalms 46:1), our merciful Savior (1 John 1:9), and the source of Living Water (John 4:14).

This is God’s response to our struggles: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” To which Paul declared, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9, 10).

Why would we hide our struggles when we have a Savior so willing and able to help us succeed? The very idea of overcoming Laodicea is being honest with our struggles—owning them—so we will seek the help we need: Jesus.

So, yes, the struggle is real. I am running on empty. I struggle—regularly even. But I am willing to own my weaknesses, so God’s power can rest on me and give me victory!

Living on Purpose

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I have learned that just because we say we are something doesn’t mean we are. Just because we might say we are Christian, doesn’t make us a Christian. I used to think the proof of my Christianity was my membership at my church. But reality sets in: Does my life support my talk? Do my actions back up what I say I believe? Could anyone else, by looking at my life, be able to know that I am a follower of Jesus? I read a quote in college on the dorm bulletin board that said, “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would they have enough evidence to convict you?” Wow.

You see, our lives will prove what we truly believe. Sure we can go through motions. We can pretend to care and pretend to believe. But God does not want a production—He’s not asking for a Christian Talent Show. He doesn’t want us to show forced compassion; He wants us to truly love! He doesn’t want us to merely say that He is great; He wants us to actually trust Him. If it is not about going through the motions, then it is about living on purpose. It’s not about what you do, but why you do it.

My favorite example of such living is found in the the lives of three Old Testament Hebrew guys: Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. (They received new names in Babylon that may sound more familiar: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.) They found themselves in a very bad situation. King Nebuchadnezzar had built a huge statue of gold and made a decree that when certain music played everyone would bow down to the image. It wasn’t long until his wise men noticed that not everyone was bowing down—three to be exact, and only three. There were consequences to disobedience: death. This was not an optional event, it was commanded. So these three stood even though they knew the consequences.

Resolve

Some may suggest that this was not smart. Why bring all this attention to themselves? They could have easily faked bowing. You know, when the music played they could bend down and tie their shoes! No one would know the difference. They weren’t really bowing but only made it look like they were. I wonder how many in the crowd that day actually did this? I wonder how many of us would have done it as well?

They were immediately brought before the king. (Daniel 3:13–15.) Basically, Nebuchadnezzar gave them another chance. He liked these guys. They had proven themselves earlier. However, this was the last chance they’d get. If they turned it down, into the furnace they’d go. His offer: Bow and everything would be fine; if they didn’t, they would hurt. Simple enough. But the young men did not even wait for the music before they replied. There was no reason to play the music, because they wouldn’t bow to anyone other than God. They weren’t afraid of the furnace either, because their God could rescue them from it (verses 16, 17). Do you believe in God like that? Of course, it’d easy to believe God could rescue you from a furnace when you’re not near a furnace. But would you still have the same faith if you could feel the heat from it? That’s not all though. I love what they say next: “But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Daniel 3:18).

This is what living on purpose is all about! It was not the motion, it was the reason. Their God was so great they wouldn’t bow to anything else, even if He didn’t save them. Those are not comfortable terms. We have the tendency to base our performance on His deliverance. Yes, our God can deliver us, but what if he doesn’t?

Nebuchadnezzar was impressed with their faith and let them go, right? Not quite. In fact, it says he was infuriated. He commanded his servants to heat the furnace seven times hotter! It became so hot that the soldiers who threw them in died from the heat and didn’t even go in themselves! Nebuchadnezzar tried hard to make an example of these men and their God, but ended up giving God a greater opportunity to reveal His power and grace! Nebuchadnezzar soon noticed more than three in the furnace—there were four! Who would have gone in there with them? And the new one looked different: like the son of God. Quickly he called them out and they didn’t even smell like smoke! Isn’t God amazing? This reinforces that God does, in fact, go through the greatest trials with us and He can, and often does, bring us through unharmed!

This is living on purpose. It isn’t a half-hearted conviction. It is not being one person at church and another outside. Otherwise, when trials hit we will not stand—and we will have our trials. We face choices every day. Not all trials will be a fiery furnace, but all can have an affect on our future.

We say we believe in God, but does our life show it? Are we just trying to look like Christians, or are we truly living for Christ? We cannot be fooled into believing that an outward presentation is enough. It’s all about what is inside, and what is in our heart is revealed in times of trial. It is the true you.

That’s why God wants us to be completely for Him or completely against Him—not this in between stuff. If you say you are God’s child, then live like it! Don’t pretend to follow Christ if you don’t really want to. It’s not mindless actions that He desires. But if you want to follow Christ, then go all in! Follow Him 100%. Do not be among those who have a “form of godliness, but deny its power.” Don’t pretend to be something you are not. Live for God… on purpose!

Armor of God: The Almost Forgotten Weapon

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It is easy to assume that Paul ended the list of God’s armor with the sword of the Spirit. But if we stop there, we will overlook the most powerful weapon available to us. It is God’s almost forgotten weapon. What is it? Prayer (see Ephesians 6:18).

Most Christians wouldn’t suggest that prayer is unimportant. Yet it’s often overlooked as part of the armor of God; it’s frequently neglected as a weapon. It may be forgotten because we wonder how it fits in with armor. The Roman soldiers didn’t pray, right? True, but the Christian doesn’t use literal swords, breastplates and girdles. Paul is referring to something that no successful army is without. It is not always seen as a weapon, but battles are won or lost depending on how, or if, it is used: It is communication.

While good communication doesn’t mean you’ll win every battle, bad communications typically spells defeat. Many spiritual battles are also lost because of poor communication. To ensure spiritual victories in our lives, we need to understand this weapon of communication, and how it is used properly.

First, Paul advises, “And pray in the Spirit.” The word “and” shows us that Paul wasn’t finished with the sword. In addition to the other pieces of armor, we must also pray. Romans 8:26 says, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Just like when studying God’s word, we rely on the Holy Spirit when we pray. The most wonderful thing is that the Holy Spirit reads our hearts. So even when we don’t know exactly what to say or how to say it he knows what we mean—we just need to pray. The Spirit takes our hearts’ desires and presents them before the Throne of God. He is our connection to the Commander-in-Chief.

Furthermore, Paul says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions.” This isn’t saying that we need to be on our knees all day long as if we have nothing better to do—we do have a battle going on! However, we are instructed, as Paul puts it in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, to “pray without ceasing.” This means leaving the walkie-talkie on—keeping an open line of communication on between us and Heaven—always ready to send and ready to receive.

This allows us to be able to follow the next instruction: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” There are different kinds of prayers: public and private, planned and sudden, solemn and joyful. There are different types of requests as well. But before you start pulling out a wish list for God to fulfill, understand what Paul is saying: this is not meant for us to treat God like Santa Claus, it is us realizing who our enemy is, what we lack, and that God is our only source for victories.

Prayer is our way of calling for reinforcements. Did you know that all of Heaven’s resources are waiting to be delivered so that God’s glory can be revealed in our lives? Sadly though, sometimes legions of angels are waiting to be deployed but aren’t; sometimes showers of blessings are ready to fall but are are never felt; sometimes we could have victory but instead see defeat. Why? Because we do not ask (faulty communication). It is vital that we keep an open connection with God. It is then that we are able to pray in all occasions, all kinds of prayers and requests.

Of course, we are pretty good at the sending part of communication but what about the receiving part? Have you ever noticed: when soldiers are gathered around a commanding officer, who does the most talking? Definitely not the soldier! As a matter of fact, when they are receiving instructions during a battle, they are silent. Why is it, then, that we think we are to do all the talking during prayer? In battle, the most valuable part of communication is listening. In fact, if you haven’t listened, you haven’t communicated.

Unfortunately, I don’t think we allow ourselves much opportunity to listen. Our days are filled with so much work, so much activity, and so much “noise.” We wonder why we’re not able to hear God speaking to us, yet we never really give Him our attention. If everything around you is LOUD, how can you hear God’s still, small voice? If you can’t hear His voice, how can He communicate? He can speak through His Word, through another person, through nature, and He may speak directly—but you still have to be listening.

Then, once you hear God, what will you do with what you hear? How much more power could Christ have in our cities, in our churches, in our lives, if we not only called on Him, but listened to, and obeyed, His instructions for us? Our enemy would have no chance!

Friends, prayer is a powerful weapon. There are no alternatives. Man may encourage you to trivialize it. Satan will try to get you to forget about it. Why? Because he has no defenses against the prayers of God’s people. Because, when you pray, the Creator draws near to you. Because, when you pray, thousands of angel-reinforcements fly to your aid. Because, when you pray, heaven’s floodgates are opened. Because, when you pray, God reveals His plan for victory. And when you listen and obey, nothing can keep you from victory!

Armor of God: The Sword of the Spirit

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We have learned, up to now, that Truth, Righteousness, Readiness that come from the Gospel of Peace, Faith, and Salvation will all, if used, bring us a more victorious life. Is there anything else we might need?

Again we look to Paul’s list of God’s Armor in Ephesians 6. Paul reminds us to take our swords along with us—the Sword of the Spirit—which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

You might have noticed that, up to this point, all of our armor has been defensive armor. We have been instructed to wear each piece for our protection. Now we are introduced to a piece that is not only defensive but can also be offensive. Not only will we stand our ground, but, with the Sword, we will have the ability to gain ground! We will push back and even defeat our Adversary while advancing the front line.

It is for this reason we must remember to carry the sword with us and not an alternative instead. Satan has long substituted the sword with the White Flag of Fables. He suggests that it is great for defense. He encourages us to give up on knowing truth; quit caring what God really says; believe what you want to believe. This is most useful when the enemy is closing in: if waved high in the air, they stop attacking. Of course, we all should know that forfeiting is automatic loss. The alternate offered by man is almost entirely for offense. It is the Brass Knuckles of Doctrine. Man suggests that most will not readily accept your “truth,” so you might need a little more “muscle” to convince. In other words, if others are hesitant to accept your beliefs, beat it into them. This is extremely effective against other soldiers who have no armor but, unfortunately, has no effect on our enemy. Thus, once again, man’s substitution also falls short.

None of these will do. Paul says we need the Sword of the Spirit—God’s Word. And not just select portions of it. Every verse is power-filled. Every Book is dangerous to our Adversary—in both the New and the Old Testaments. All of it is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). Hebrews 4:12, says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Nothing can match it. Nothing can stand against it.

God’s Word is powerful! It renews lives (1 Peter 1:22), it heals pain (Ps. 107:20), it frees captives (John 8:32), it brings light (Ps. 119:130), it produces faith (Rom. 10:17), and it makes us wise unto salvation (2 Tim. 3:15). It is also profitable “for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, KJV). In addition, in verse 17, we are told that it will also make us complete, or perfect, “thoroughly equipped for every good work.” God’s Word is alive and powerful, correcting and instructing, and it can keep us completely equipped for everything in our path!

This is also why we are counseled in 2 Timothy 2:15 to, “Study to show thyself approved unto God.” We need to be able to correctly handle such a sharp and potentially dangerous item. This means we actually have to read it. This also means that no one can study for you. You shouldn’t simply accept what pastors say, just because they say it—every pastor, including me. You should only accept a teaching after you have studied it in the Bible yourself and made sure the teaching is sound. Study to show yourself approved. Nobody can practice the sword for you. If you want to properly use the Word, you have to study it. And the more you study, the more you will become proficient.

Unfortunately, many will not study, or choose to misuse God’s word to suit their desires. This is why it can be so dangerous. Even though God’s Word is devastating for Satanic forces, it is too often used on each other (see Paul’s warning in 2 Timothy 2:23, 24). Discussing Bible truths together in order to learn is one thing, but we have a tendency to argue with others about what we think God really meant, and only end up injuring each other. Some may call it sparring, but it is too often destructive. We have made it an art to take the God-ordained offensive weapon meant for our Adversary, and use it against a fellow disciple, or worse, on someone searching for God! We should be ashamed! “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).

Friends, we might not be experiencing victory with God’s word because we are using it against the wrong group. We may actually be giving Satan the victory. The Bible should never be used against another child of God. It is only properly used and successful when used against the dark powers of Satan’s forces. Only then, can we too experience victory through its awesome power.

God’s word is powerful, sharper than any two edged sword. It is meant to fight sin and the powers of darkness. With it we can conquer new territory for Christ. We can force the enemy to retreat—healing and freeing more souls for Heaven. So, we must study the scriptures and become approved by God as triumphant users of His Word, having many victories for His name. Let us not quarrel amongst ourselves using the Bible to beat each other up. But let us hold up our swords and attack Satan’s strongholds. This Word will complete us as a soldier. With it we will become thoroughly equipped for battle.

We are able to stand our ground with our armor; now, let us start gaining ground with the Sword of God’s Word!

Armor of God: The Helmet of Salvation

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I don’t know about you, but I despise mind games. I don’t like to be lied to, manipulated, or coerced (especially by people claiming to be friends). Unfortunately, it seems almost impossible to completely avoid being a victim of them. In every area of life such mind games await—even in our spiritual life.

Maybe our adversary has hit you with his questions before: “If you are God’s child, why do you struggle just to make it through the day? God said He’d take care of his children, but where is He at this crisis in your life? How come His promises don’t come true in your life? Are you sure God’s Word is true? And what’s with all this confessing sins, life changes and obedience, isn’t there a better way? Are you sure His plan is best?” Satan loves playing these games, causing doubts, fears, and confusion.

You see, every great general knows that if you can conquer the enemy’s mind, you’ve won the battle. Many battles are won before they even start, because fears and doubts invade the soldier’s mind. Satan knows this, and since he couldn’t conquer our Commander, he turns his assaults on us. As long as we remain unprotected from these mind games, we will suffer defeat and fall. Sadly, we too are often defeated before we even face the battle.

It is no surprise then, that Paul’s next recommendation for our armor is a helmet or, more specifically, the Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17). Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:8, that we are to put on “the hope of salvation as a helmet.” It is this hope, or assurance, in the power of salvation that will protect our minds from being defiled with fears and doubts from Satan.

The sad thing is that many go into battle without it or, possibly worse, with a counterfeit. Satan has convinced many that Salvation is not necessary and presents his Headband of Security as a better alternative. Security makes us comfortable—which is what Satan wants us to be. Of course, it will not stand up to the trials of battle and will fail to protect. Man, once again, takes a completely different approach with their Hairspray of Holiness. This holiness, something we all know we need, is artificially made of course. Its ultra-strong hold makes your hair hard as a rock—almost like a helmet! It also creates a nice halo effect when you spray it on. Yet, this false sense of holiness creates a major vulnerability that makes failure definite.

Paul is clear, though: God’s armor contains the Helmet of Salvation and we are to “take” it. Like the shield of faith, the hope of salvation is something that we need to carry with us also. So, what is it about Salvation that can protect our minds?

First, we must understand the games that our enemy plays with our minds. The Bible is clear on our initial status: we are sinners (Rom. 3:23, 6:23) which results in death—an eternal death. And anything we do to save ourselves just puts us deeper in debt. That’s what Satan likes to throw at us: we’re hopeless sinners with unbelievably bad debt.

But there’s good news: God has a Plan to save us from this debt! “The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord” (Psalm 37:39). In 1 John 5:11 we’re told that the eternal life God offers us is “in His Son.” And Joseph and Mary were told by an angel to call their son Jesus, “because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). “Jesus” literally means “the Lord saves.” This is why the Bible says, “There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Jesus is our salvation—He paid our debt. Salvation wasn’t meant to come from us; it comes from the One for Whom nothing is impossible! It was never about our works, but about His sacrifice.

But why would God bother to save us? John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that who ever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” It is because of the love He already has for us that He offers salvation. He loved us first. Our response is to believe in Jesus.

So, I believe that Jesus died, is that enough? No. You have to believe that He can and will save you. Believe that He has paid your debt. You must believe that the gift offered is yours to keep. This is how it would look: if you believe that Jesus can save you, then you’ll stop trying to save yourself. It will cause you to Repent (Acts 3:19), which means that you will turn back—you’ll turn/ return to God’s plan. When you turn back you will begin to hate sin because of the fullness of God’s love you have felt through Christ. As this dislike of sin grows, you’ll recognize and own up to (admit) the sin in your own heart (this is what we do when we confess). The result of confessing our sins is full forgiveness from God (1 John 1:9)! And it is when we have accepted this forgiveness that we have fully accepted the gift of salvation.

If we accept God’s plan of Salvation we accept Christ. 1 John 5:12 reveals the simplicity of this Gospel: “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” Then, in verse 13, John says he writes that so we can know we have eternal life. We can be confident of our salvation. Yes, you and I can know today that we are saved.

Hebrews 2:3, asks, “How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?” You have been bought by the blood of Christ—you are a child of God. When satan attacks you with fear and doubt, let the hope of your salvation in Christ guard your thoughts. It really is that simple: whoever has the Son, has life. Don’t let satan play mind games with you any longer. Live in confidence. With Jesus, your salvation is sure. With Jesus, your victory is sure. When satan attacks with his mind games, may we be able to say: “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12).

Armor of God: The Shield of Faith

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Jesus asks a very sobering question in Luke 18:8, “…when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Faith. It is a very complex concept. It is something Christians know they need, yet often find it difficult to lean on. It is something vital for spiritual life, yet is regularly defined in ways that greatly reduce its significance. Paul knew its importance though; it is included in the list of God’s Armor. Next on the list is the Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16). Since it does not strap on, it is part of the armor that could be forgotten. That’s why Paul reminds us, “In addition.” You are wearing the other pieces of armor, but don’t forget your shield.

The shield is very important. A soldier can move the shield in any direction to protect any area not already covered. This is also why we must make sure we do not pick up a counterfeit. Satan would like you to grab his Sunglasses of Blind Faith and run into battle. Follow every whim and idea blindly. With little effort, you will stumble right into one of his carefully placed snares. Man tries to offer something of more substance: the Button of Belief. Shaped like a shield, but not near as heavy, it is very fashionable—imagine what people will think of you when they can readily see what you believe. Of course, once you have chosen a good set of beliefs, you should stick with those beliefs—beliefs aren’t supposed to change. If they did change, how could we ever establish exclusive clubs among those having similar buttons? Be aware, though, since not much is required of belief, it won’t provide any protection.

Paul tells us that faith must be our shield. Only faith can protect us from, as Paul says, the flaming arrows (fiery darts) of Satan. However, there is a greater importance in having faith than just defending darts. In Hebrews 11:6, Paul says that without faith it is impossible to please God. Impossible. We simply cannot please God without faith. We may try to please Him with worship, tithe, attendance, even witnessing, but without faith it can’t be done. Notice though, the text does not say “without great faith it is impossible,” it just says without faith.

You see, there are different sizes of shields—because there are different sizes of soldiers. A soldier is only given a shield he/she can handle, but every soldier is given a shield. In the same way, each soldier in God’s Army is given faith. How much? Romans 12:3 says that God gives us each a measure. This is a vague term, isn’t it? How much is a measure? Just enough. That’s how much faith God gives: just enough. Always the right amount for victory.

We aren’t all given the same amount of faith, but we are all given enough faith. You may start out with a smaller amount than your fellow soldier sitting beside you at church, but that doesn’t make you less of a Christian. It’s not about the size of your faith, but the size of your God. Jesus said that if we had faith the size of a mustard seed we could move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Nothing is impossible, even with the tiniest amount of faith. Faith compared with a mustard seed isn’t simply small, though, but also like a seed it will grow (see Matthew 13:31, 32). It may begin as the smallest seed, but turns out to be the largest plant in the garden. Likewise, as we cultivate our faith it will grow. One way our faith is cultivated is through reading God’s word (Romans 10:17).

Then, it has to be used. As Paul said in Ephesians 6:16, the shield has to be taken. A shield cannot protect unless we pick it up and use it. James 2:17 says that “faith without works is dead.” It doesn’t matter if we think we have little faith, big faith, weak faith, or strong faith, we have to use the faith we are given or it will do us no good. If we have faith that Jesus will forgive our sins, then we will confess our sins. If we have faith that He is coming again, then we will live like He is coming.

This is the exciting part: as we use the faith God has given us it will grow, larger and larger, protecting more and more. Until we graduate into heavy infantry: Jesus said, “Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12). We will not only be able to do things He did, but greater things. Our faith in Christ can grow so large that the impossible will become reality. No wonder the Bible says we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength!

Limitations are only set when we don’t use our faith. It says in Matthew 13:58, that Jesus couldn’t do mighty things for the people of Nazareth because of their lack of faith. How many times have we missed out on Jesus’ mighty works because we were afraid to use our faith? We don’t fail because we don’t have faith, but because we won’t use it.

There’s only one cause for for unused faith: taking our eyes off Jesus (consider Peter walking on the water). No longer focusing on Him results in no longer trusting in Him, depending on Him, or surrendering to Him. If we want to stand firm in our faith, we must keep our eyes on Jesus. Paul says it best, “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith … Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted” (Hebrews 12:2, 3). This is the solution to any faith issue: fix your eyes on Jesus!

Do you find it difficult to act in faith? Fix your eyes on Jesus.
Do you want to increase your faith? Fix your eyes on Jesus.

Whether you have little faith or great faith, fix your eyes on Jesus! Great and mighty things will happen with your eyes fixed on Jesus—He makes our faith complete. The battle will rage on, the winds will blow, the waves will crash around you, and the darts will continue to attack. When they do, keep your eyes on Jesus and you will have victory!