- HubPages»
- Religion and Philosophy»
- Christianity, the Bible & Jesus
Faith Under Fire
Shield of Faith
The Testing of One's Faith
After reading several articles and listening to some testimonies, the constant picture of the Shield of Faith flashed vividly in my mind!
I felt compelled to write something that would encourage the people of God.
What flows from the Heart of God to His people? What Comfort does the Holy Spirit offer in times like these? Is the shed Blood of Jesus powerful enough to soothe our wounds?
In my spirit I know that the Father is still speaking to His people. Prodding them to keep moving. Offering respite in dire times. After all, He is the Father that spared not His only Begotten Son for you, for me.
Hope, Defined
This word “Hope” is an absolute, a guarantee without a doubt. It is the Greek word “elpis” meaning “to expect or anticipate with pleasure.”
Romans 5:2
“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
by: Expreacherman.com
Three Things
There are three things that He is allowing me to share with His people in reference to the time(s) we are facing:
- Look Inward for Your Answers
- The Power to Withstand is in You!
- Victory is Inevitable, Followed by Success!
I will briefly elaborate on the three points and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into your own personal revelation for your life.
Shield Against Fire
Look Inward for Your Answers
This starts with prayer. Oftentimes this session ends in repentance and renewal! I find that in pressing and overwhelming times we are more pliable to the device of prayer.
Prayer has a way of realigning us with God! It is the perfect place to start since we begin from a place of reverence! Our Father! Recognizing our position as sons and daughters of the Most High on to "Which Art In Heaven, honoring Him and acknowledging Him reminds us that there is "Nobody Greater!" He is the Alpha and Omega, no higher source to run to in times of lonliness, discouragement, loss, persecution, abandonment, and financial ruin then Him.
Prayer opens the communication between us and the Father. The ineptness of some of our decisions and choices brings us to repentance, His forgiveness of our short-sightness of thinking that "we could handle it" is comforting and brings us to a place of renewal, awareness, and peace!
From this position, we move in the direction that the Holy Spirit leads us. Confident in the fact that are compass in life has been reset and we have His peace to make concrete and sound decisions for our life!
Believe!
Wherever we see the words "faith" or "believe" in the New Testament, they are usually a translation from the original Greek root word pistis. The noun form of the word, pistis, is usually translated as "faith" and the verb form, pisteuo, is translated as "believe."
As used in the Bible, it also implies trust in and reliance on God or Christ, surrender of our wills to God or Christ, and conduct consistent with that surrender1. All those elements are present in any mention of "faith" or "believe" in the New Testament.
The Power to Withstand is in You!
Christ-like believers must understand that everything we face in life is demands a response. How we respond is very important. "Every one of us will experience some type of crisis; and if we are not careful, it will shake our very foundation and cause us to go under. Take a skyscraper, destroy the foundation, and see what will happen to it. It will not stand. You can’t destroy the foundation of something and expect it to remain standing." -- Dana A. Holmes
When I was entertaining this line of thought, I didn't understand why Dorthy and her RUBY red shoes kept coming to mind! The Holy Spirit does have a sense of humor! It led me to the following thought! BELIEVE! We Christ-like beings must BELIEVE!
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, BELIEVE that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.-- Mark 11:24
You can’t stand without believing. You may ask, “What am I to believe?” You are to believe that those things which you say shall come to pass. You must BELIEVE you RECEIVE without having any physical evidence that the thing even exists.
To successfully maneuver through your circumstances, how and what you believe will determine your success. If you believe that your circumstances are more than you can bear, then you are already defeated! Your belief serves as a road map empowering you to take action, and move forward in peace.
Restoration
He restoreth my soul; -- Psalms 23:3
Return to its original or useful state. Return to life or give new energy. Restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken. Bring back into original existence or use, or function.
Victory is Inevitable
Trials, adversities, disappointments, hurts, and pain can knock the wind out of our sails. They deplete and frazzle our senses and injures our spirit. Being the Father that He is, He drives us to a secret place. Beside the still waters!
He takes all your broken pieces, remolds, remodify, and remakes you. He then purges the empty places in you and fill them with His peace and comfort. There He reminds you that He will never leave you nor forsake you!
Here, he resets your compass, opens your spiritual eyes, rekindles your fire! Weeping may endureth for a night but JOY cometh in the morning! Your morning is your awakening to the knowledge that success is not how many cars you drive, how large your house is, how much money it is in the bank, and what your job title is!
Success is knowing that you've done all to stand! You've weathered the storms of life, loved with abandonment, showed compassion to others, gave out of your abundance, and shared your testimony with others!
Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. -- Matthew 6:33
When we seek His face, ALL that we need will be supplied. It doesn't mean that we always be excited about our circumstances but we mature into contentment. Knowing that all things are working out for our good! Understanding that each step, test, and experience is working to bring us into a place of wholeness!
This Too Shall Pass
"This Too Shall Pass"
If I can endure for this minute
Whatever is happening to me,
No matter how heavy my heart is
Or how dark the moment may be-
If I can remain calm and quiet
With all the world crashing about me,
Secure in the knowledge God loves me
When everyone else seems to doubt me-
If I can but keep on believing
What I know in my heart to be true,
That darkness will fade with the morning
And that this will pass away, too-
Then nothing in life can defeat me
For as long as this knowledge remains
I can suffer whatever is happening
For I know God will break all of the chains
That are binding me tight in the darkness
And trying to fill me with fear-
For there is no night without dawning
And I know that my morning is near.
...Helen Steiner Rice
Faith Questions
Does Your Faith Withstand Fiery Trials?
Let's Pray
Dear Father, In the Name of Jesus
I lift up the person reading this. I ask that you fill all the empty places, dry all the tears, and comfort them with the blanket of peace. I pray that their understanding be enlightened, knowing that all things are working out for their good! I speak hope into their lives, prosperity, and success. I pray that your Word will be a lamp unto their feet and a light unto their path.
I speak Joy to their morning! As they rise to their Joy that their spirit is awaken in the newness of life! I believe for their success in this life as you continue to bless them in Jesus' Name. Amen
Comments
- Author
Hello jtrader, I appreciate your not only visiting my hub but also commenting.
You are so right. We stand firm when we stand on His word.
- Author
Thank you Sis, I feel that I should call you Minister Organ, for gracing my pages. Your spirit exudes a God-like nature and that makes my heart smile! He pours such wisdom into your thoughts, your life, your being. It is a treasure that we can faithfully draw on!
Lady Summerset! Wonderful inspiring, insightful message! Spiritual warfare comes along with being a child of God! We need to daily be adorned in the spiritual armor. When we Love God we can rely upon and Trust God to 'Work everything together for the GOOD!" in HIS time!
As you wonderfully stated!: "When we seek His face, ALL that we need will be supplied. It doesn't mean that we always be excited about our circumstances but we mature into contentment. Knowing that all things are working out for our good! Understanding that each step, test, and experience is working to bring us into a place of wholeness!" AMEN!
Having the Lord in our lives makes all the difference in the world!
Thank You Lord for Your Word, Jesus Christ and Your Holy Spirit!
Thank you Lady Summerset for sharing this marvelous message! In His Love, Mercy, Grace, Joy, Peace & Blessings!
- Author
Dear Francis, I am so honored that you took the time to read and comment. This is a hub I return to time and time again for myself. As I a firm believer that He brings annointed people across my path, I know that He has something special in store for you.
There is a door of opportunity that has already openned for you. Your ability to recognize it will depend on you expanding your boundaries. You are a gifted writer and a compassionate man who loves God. You've come to the end of one journey to begin a new one. You are really in a good place to fulfill purpose. I see you teaching. When we are given gifts, the Omnipotent One requires that we use them. Bless others by volunteering to mentor, share your knowledge and time on programs for the betterment of youth, the unemployed, or those trying to become stable or get out of debt.
Your in a good place for blessings.
When I visited your profile this particular hub pulled me to it. I needed this kind of advice very badly because right now I am unemployed and going through a very difficult time.
A very helpful piece of encouragement to me.
Francis
- Author
Greetings to you Oceansider, It is always a pleasure and honor to meet my brothers and sisters in Christ. Oftentimes, we feel as though we are the "only" one going through something. I know that nothing happens to "us" by chance and am, therefore, humbled and thankful for every opportunity to bless and be blessed by such wonderful people as yourself.
Just keep on praying and seeking His face for the way will become clearer and your purpose more defined!
Peace and Love to you!
Hi Lady Summerset,
I saw your comments at Michele's hub and thought I would read one of yours....and I am very glad I did. It's wonderful to keep meeting more and more Christians. All glory and honor be to Jesus Christ our God and Savior!!!
- Author
Greetings HAexpressions, Thank you for leaving a comment and reading my hub. It's a pleasure to meet such honorable people in this space.
Very encouraging and my word for today!
- Author
God Bless you Mhatter, its been such a joy and pleasure to meet such wonderful people like you in this environment. I'm honored and more so grateful that you took the time to comment!
i agree with what you say and how you put it. thank you
God's Holy Spirit is where I place my faith and my hope. Almighty God and Christ Jesus and God's Holy Word are my armour.
13