Staying power (1)

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed.”

2Co 4:8 NIV

Here’s a saying that has proven to be true: “What doesn’t destroy us makes us stronger.” And here are four sayings that have proved to be false: (1) “When you become a Christian all your problems are over.”  Whoever told you that didn’t get it from Scripture. Paul said, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (vv. 8-9). (2) “All the problems you’ll ever encounter are addressed in the Bible.” God tells us many things in His Word, but He still requires us to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2Co 5:7). That means receiving guidance from His Word, from the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and from the counsel of godly friends. (3) “If you’re having problems you must be unspiritual.” The opposite is true. Satan’s attack is proof that you haven’t been conquered, that you represent a threat to the kingdom of darkness, and that you’re doing the will of God. And the greater the attack, the greater the level of blessing that awaits you beyond it, so keep going. (4) “Being exposed to sound Bible teaching automatically solves every problem.” It will certainly help you solve your problems, but it won’t solve them for you. You must be a “doer” of the Word and not a “hearer only” (See Jas 1:23). Paul writes, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies [and tricks] of the devil” (Eph 6:10-11 NLT). In other words, you need “staying power.”

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