Prayer in Strife
Our God is a God of Peace.
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Discord and strife are sown by Satan. Yet even knowing that, I sometimes find myself in turmoil. I focus on the worse side of things and listen to the wrong voices. This happens in our families, or in our workplace, or even in our church.
A God honoring church teaching bible scripture will come under attack. A marriage will come under attack. Ministries serving God will come under attack. It’s called spiritual warfare, and it is real.
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
Satan whispers, “Did God really say that”? Or “You are not enough.” Or “Why does that group get preferential treatment”? All he has to do is tweak the truth a little bit and we can be sucked into an ‘untruth’.
If we don’t pray on our armor, (Ephesians 6:11-17) and actively protect ourselves we can be deceived and become part of the problem instead of the solution.
Church can be our safe place- everyone here is a Christian we assume, thinking as we do. We can expect better treatment from our brothers and sisters in church and our feelings are hurt when we feel slighted.
Isn’t it amazing that we sinful humans like to be ‘in the know’ about everything? We listen to opinions or discuss problems without seeking God’s will.
James 1:19 says “be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry”.
I have seen people leave ministries they love, or even their church families because of differences.
Refocus-
Don’t look down or focus on yourself, “lift up your face to God”
Job 22:26
“Why are you cast down, O my soul and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God for I shall again praise Him, my salvation.” Ps. 42:5
I am not an authority on spiritual warfare, but there are those around us that are. There are books and scriptures that show us how to guard our hearts in Christ Jesus. Be aware, don’t be surprised, don’t be deceived.
“Be in prayer at all times, and on every occasion.” Eph. 6:18
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 12:2
Our God is Powerful!
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear…”Ps. 46
I cannot emphasize enough to pray and focus.
Until next week,
Debbie
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