Have you gotten into some scrapes? Sometimes people get into those by their own silly behavior. How scrappy have you been spiritually? (There's really no time for spiritual compromise, or to become a troublemaker).
Have ya been fighting the right battles lately, or in the flesh? Got some accusers or ill-informed opposition? Has it seemed like you've been through hell here fighting for victory and joy ..seekin' to honor and worship the Lord. To praise the Lord even when you don't feel like it is noble!
Here's a song of praise that in our Land is really resonating these days with so many people:
"Yeah, I don't always feel it
Yeah, but that's when I need it the most
So, I'ma keep on singing
'Til my soul catches up with my song
There's times when my hands go up freely
And times that it costs, oh-oh
There's days when a praise comes out easy
Days when it takes all the strength I got
I'll bring my hard-fought, heartfelt
Been-through-hell hallelujah (ooh, ooh)
And I'll bring my storm-tossed, torn-sail
Story-to-tell hallelujah, oh
'Cause God, You've been patient
God, You've been gracious
Faithful, whatever I'm feeling or facing
So I'll bring my hard-fought, heartfelt, it-is-well hallelujah, whoa-oh
Hallelujah (ooh, ooh), hallelujah
I've wrestled with the darkness
But I'm tryin' to reach for the light
Yeah, the struggle keeps me honest
And it breaks down the walls of my pride
'Cause faith isn't proven like gold
'Til it's been through the fire, eh-eh
My head, heart, and hands are feeling heavy
But that's when I lift them just a little higher
I'll bring my hard-fought, heartfelt
Been-through-hell hallelujah (ooh, ooh)
I'll bring my storm-tossed, torn-sail
Story-to-tell hallelujah, whoa-oh…
I'll bring my hard-fought, heartfelt, it-is-well, hallelujah (ooh)
Oh, hallelujah (mm, eh-ah, eh)
Hallelujah
Oh-oh, oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh, hallelujah, oh, hallelujah, halle-
Halle-, mm-mm
Oh, hallelujah" ~ Brandon Lake
I know Jesus can relate to you if you're in such a struggle. He loves you and has a good plan! Let's obey and praise Him regardless.
The Christian walk in Jesus, while ultimately leading us to joy and praise, is not some cakewalk or a placid stroll in the park; it's an ongoing battle that requires a sustained, prayerful struggle and dedication. The Apostle Paul commands:
"Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. 13 Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]. 14 So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart), 15 and having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news]. 16 Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." Ephesians 6:11-17 amp
There's a real enemy in the unseen, with a real struggle and a real fight.
Life here, particularly for those who are seeking to know, please, follow and please the Lord is often marked by perseverance through adversity and struggle.
The yield? It's a righteous growth in the Word unto maturity on the homestretch.
Be encouraged inside. God sees and He's there for you. I challenge you to press on and to press in deeper.. in the Word.
The mention of our common goal: "victory, joy unto praise to God" points us all towards the hope and rewards that await saints who have come through in the face of hardship.
Got weaknesses like Paul's or something like a thorn? " .."'My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9 amp
Can you claim this promise? “[I am] from God and have overcome them because the one who is in [me] is greater than the one who is in the world!” 1 John 4:4.
Embrace the challenges of life as a Christian, knowing that Jesus will take care of you and lead you to a greater reward.
Recognize each challenge you face. Fight for the ground you've gained. Cling to God and the truth you believe in, and to find joy in singing praise even amidst scary difficulty. Guess what you'll better understand God, His love, His grace and His provision. Look for the Bible passages and verses to memorize that address your weaknesses, or past battles.
Christian, those very difficult and painful roads often lead to a beautiful abundant entrance. We have a good destination!
Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This verse emphasizes the power and strength that believers receive through Christ to overcome challenges and obstacles.
Romans 8:37: "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." This verse reminds believers that even in the face of adversity, they have been given the power to conquer through Christ's love.
Hebrews 12:1-3: "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight that clings to us, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Be exhorted and encouraged to persevere in the face of opposition looking to our ultimate warrior, Jesus, as an example of enduring hardship.
Psalm 23: Offers reassurance of God's presence, protection, and provision, which can be helpful in times of struggle.
Isaiah 41:10: Promises strength from the Lord and His constant support in times of fear, chaos and hardship.
Difficult roads for Christians can often lead to wonderful paths of victory, and of course to our beautiful destination. Don't give up! You can't ultimately lose if you don't quit. No vacays from God, no bailing out from our Savior!
"They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. 'We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,'” they said." Acts 14:22
Repent and kill all your deeds and thoughts of sin. Keep on sowing to the Spirit, and no more to the old fleshly nature. No more mixed sowing to both the world and the Spirit inside.
"Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent." Revelation 2:5 esv
Those real challenges will lead to growth and positive outcomes.
The lessons and struggles you face today will be the strength you can draw upon to fight with tomorrow, believer. Grow faster.. not slowly.. through adversity!
All God's promises are 100% true, and He will see you through!
God will provide for you all that is necessary strengthwise, with support to overcome those challenges.
"Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people]. Be miserable and grieve and weep [over your sin]. Let your [foolish] laughter be turned to mourning and your [reckless] joy to gloom. Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose]." James 4:8–10 amp
Fight on knees of humility. Pray like you mean it cuz you really do--it's how you connect with God and stay connected. Your life and other lives depend upon it. Prayer is God's ordained way of obtaining what we need. It should be a consistent part of a every believer's life, urging individuals to pray continually -- it's the way we can align our inner will with God's will. It is not just a means to gaining God to desires to give to us (all the needs, not our greeds).
Sharing your struggles with others who are will pray -- those who are spiritually mature (not with all others, or those who merely appear to be wise) and receiving support can be incredibly helpful.
Focus on the Lord and His character. Remember all that He's brought you through. Remind yourself of God's agape love, of His faithfulness, and of His sure promises. That will provide with encouragement and strength.
Reread those stories of Bible figures who demonstrated a struggle against the fleshly nature, the world, fallen angels.. and won. These figures, through their actions, ongoing example, and teachings, exemplify the ongoing battle against temptation and real evil here. They highlight the potential for overcoming such wicked forces through faith and obedience to God's word.
Perhaps you feel sorta like Nehemiah with the people of Judah. He emphasized the importance of both construction and defense! The people of God constructed from the worthless rubble while struggling against their enemies, who were constantly out to destroy it all.
They rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem while simultaneously fighting off against those enemies. It took prayerful vigilance. Each person of faith worked with one hand on construction and held weapons in the other.
“'Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!' 15 When our enemies heard that we knew of their plans and that God had frustrated them, we all returned to our work on the wall. 16 But from then on, only half my men worked while the other half stood guard with spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. The leaders stationed themselves behind the people of Judah 17 who were building the wall. The laborers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon. 18 All the builders had a sword belted to their side. The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm. 19 Then I explained to the nobles and officials and all the people, 'The work is very spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. 20 When you hear the blast of the trumpet, rush to wherever it is sounding. Then our God will fight for us!' 21 We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset. And half the men were always on guard. 22 I also told everyone living outside the walls to stay in Jerusalem. That way they and their servants could help with guard duty at night and work during the day. 23 During this time, none of us—not I, nor my relatives, nor my servants, nor the guards who were with me—ever took off our clothes. We carried our weapons with us at all times, even when we went for water." Nehemiah 4:14b-23 nlt
David in the OT, the greatest king of Israel, faced numerous temptations and challenges, including his own sinfulness. Despite these struggles, he repented and continued to seek God's guidance, demonstrating the possibility of walking in victory even after falling into sin.
Daniel, a wise and righteous prophet, demonstrated unwavering faith in God, even when faced with threats and persecution. He refused to compromise his beliefs and remained steadfast in his devotion to God.
The Old Testament prophets, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, often spoke out against the wickedness of their time, challenging the people to turn from sin and embrace God's will. They faced opposition and persecution for their message, yet they persevered in their prophetic ministry.
Job struggled with loss and so many questions. God blessed him.
Joseph also suffered loss. He was thrown in jail for doing the right thing. Eventually also got blessed.
Jesus in the NT, the central figure of the New Testament, is presented as the ultimate example of victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil. Through his teachings, miracles, and eventual sacrifice, Jesus demonstrated God's power to overcome evil and offer salvation to humanity.
Paul the Apostle played a significant role in the spread of Christianity like via his writings. He faced numerous fierce trials, persecutions and tough tests with tribulations while uncompromisingly preaching the gospel. He didn't pull any punches or water down the message. He emphasized the spiritual battle against the forces of darkness, urging born again believers to put on the full armor of God, submitting to the Lord while resisting the evil. Remember how Paul was shipwrecked, bit by that snake, jailed and then worse.
The apostles (I mean the 11 and Paul) as well as the other disciples of Jesus also faced relentless persecution, opposition and challenges while boldly spreading Christ's message of the gospel. They demonstrated the power of faith not in self or self-will, but in God. They each displayed the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity all the way to the end of their lives.
Not all alone with your own ingenuity and strength, but you with Jesus as Lord can win over the 1) corrupt World system, 2) the Flesh, and 3) the Devils.
These enemies represent the forces that tempt and challenge all believers to stray away from God's path. Have you taken a stride from the master's side? Come back quickly. Run, don't walk. Repent don't just stay bent during Lent.
The "world" refers to the values and systems of society that are at odds with God's will, purpose, and plan.
The "flesh" represents the sinful desires and inclinations of human nature, and
The "devils" represent evil Satan and all the other creepy fallen angel thugs. Their darkness doesn't need to defeat you!
Be clad and ready daily to do biblical Spiritual Warfare!
The Bible portrays a spiritual battle between God's kingdom of life and light and Satan's hideous forces of darkness that love to cause deception and death.
Jesus said, "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]." John 10:10 amp
All believers need to stay out of fleshly fights. No believer is to be left out of the spiritual battle. Are you in the military somewhere.. then you undoubtedly know the right and wrong wars.
We all are called to participate (in step with, in submission to authority, real close with Jesus) in the righteous spiritual battle, resisting the enemy and all the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Start on your knees through faith with a Bible.. in prayer and praise even when you don't feel like it. Yes, in obedience to God.
“Make sure Satan has to climb over a lot of Scripture to get to you.” — John MacArthur
You've been struggling against sin and the enemies -- have you felt like giving up? Don't. Regardless.. let's choose with songs of truth to worship God..until our feelings catch up.
Let's persevere through the pain. There's a reason to fight the good fight of faith keep praising the Lord!
It's real and it's raw like it is in our Land. Habakkuk could relate (1:2-4).
"How long, Lord, must I call for help,
but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, “Violence!”
but you do not save?
Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?
Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds.
Therefore the law is paralyzed,
and justice never prevails.
The wicked hem in the righteous,
so that justice is perverted."
And the Lord answered Habakkuk.
“Look at the nations and watch—
and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
that you would not believe,
even if you were told..."
The Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it." (2:2)
His nation had been in steep decline kind of like our nation has been. Hey, we're either gonna trust the Lord or we won't. I say we seek and trust in the Lord. There was a time of waiting, and after the battle, there was a blessing (2:4. 3:17) poured out.
Darkness had been surrounding Habakkuk. His name means to struggle as well as to embrace.
We can't ignore the raw questions that people are asking us today. Too many churches and preachers don't even try to answer them. Glad ours does.
Religionists and liberal theologians have long-term NOT been answering the questions people ask and have on their minds. Many of them keep answering questions from yesteryear.
Listen, God is still good, gracious, real, sovereign, faithful, and generous--He doesn't change.
Do you allow Him to fight your battles for you? There will be a part for you to play, of course. Believe.
When hurt from the fight, we simply need wisdom from the Word. We need to see things accurately from God's perspective. Stay loyal to Him and His flawed people.
Your pain ..it can turn to praise if you choose to give God the glory.
The anguish can turn to adoration.
The wrestling can turn to worship.
When you don't have enough, remember God is enough.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you..” 1 Thess. 5:16-17
You'll be in your Bible and controlled by the Holy Spirit. You'll be jumping up and down and spinning all around a bit.. with JOY! Instead of spiral-downward, you'll spiral upward.
Jesus said, "I have told you these things so that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy may be made full and complete and overflowing." John 15:11 amp
Muse through more truths found in Habakuk! What do we see? Three "P"s
We see an unanswered prayer (1–4). Habakkuk saw the wickedness of God’s people in Judah and he prayed for God to go to work, but the Lord didn’t seem to hear him it would appear. The prophet longed to see God bring revival to the land, but his prayer went unanswered—or so he thought. There's a waiting time.
We see an unexpected plan (5–11). God told His servant that his prayers would be answered in a way he never expected to see happen. God was going to bring Babylon against Judah and chasten His beloved people. He does that. From the human point of view, the invasion of the land and the captivity of the people would seem to be a tragedy, but it was God’s work just the same.
We see an unsolved problem (12–17). Now the prophet has a greater problem: how can a holy God use such a wicked nation to punish His chosen people? God seemed to hold His tongue as His servant cried out (v. 13), but guess what.. soon the answer came. It was not really the answer Habakkuk expected, but it finally brought him peace.
Let the Lord win in your life. It is good to wrestle with God about the questions that perplex you—just be sure to stop talking long enough to listen to the Word.
“Do not rejoice in earthly reality, rejoice in Christ, rejoice in His word, rejoice in His law... There will be peace and tranquillity in the Christian heart; but only as long as our faith is watchful; if, however, our faith sleeps, we are in danger.” ~ Augustine
Habakkuk became a changed man! Instead of complaining, gripping, murmuring.. he is praising the Lord!
God turns sighing into singing if we (like Habakkuk) simply take the time to wait before Him in prayer while listening to His Word.
First, the prophet prayed (v. 2). “I see that You are working in this world,” and (1:5), “Now continue that work—keep it alive and finish it.”
The word “revive” is not like much of what we've seen in most TV or church “revival meetings.” God's revival changes whole cities and nations like I saw happen in Costa Mesa, California (during the late 60s and 70s).
Habakkuk requests of the Lord to keep on working His work.
He knows that there will be wrath and judgment, but he prays that God will remember His mercy as well.
Then the prophet pondered (vv. 3–16). He remembers what God did before. He reviews the history of Israel--the wonderful works of the Lord.
Habakkuk remembered what God did in the past, so he could trust Him to work in the present and in the future. The mountains trembled before the Lord—and so would the Chaldeans. “Jehovah is a man of war.” Israel was His people; He would tenderly care for them.
Then the prophet praised (vv. 17–19). These verses represent one of the greatest confessions of faith found in the Bible. “Though everything around me fail—the fields, the vineyards, the flocks, the herds—yet will I rejoice in the Lord.” See
That reminds us of Paul's words: "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Phil. 4:11–13.
Habakkuk had no strength of his own and knew it, but God gives people strength to go through the trials ahead. “He will make me like a deer—I will jump over the mountains.”
Habakkuk experienced firsthand a struggle. He looked through the fog of it and wondered about God’s program. He didn't have the whole Bible, but we do and in Christ, can read about God’s plans for this age (See Eph. 1:8–10 & chap. 3).
We have the true record of life, of death, of resurrection, and of Christ's ascension, as well as the promise of His coming to earth again.
We can joyously walk by faith and rejoice in the Lord, giving him all the glory and praises daily! We can tell others of Jesus too.. enthusiastically inviting them to Him and to church! We can cast off doubt and complaining.
We can pray, but don't need to lag behind or run ahead of the Lord or criticize what He is doing.
We choose to forgive saints and sinners when they do us wrong and walk wisely. "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." 1 Peter 5:2-3
There once was this German philosopher named Schopenhauer. He was the one who compared born-again Christians to rude or insensitive porcupines (and many are really not that way), but all are trying to get out of a snowstorm.. huddling all together inside a shed on a very cold winter’s night. Can you imagine that picture?
For survival's sake, He explained, “The colder it gets outside, the more we huddle together for warmth; but the closer we get to one another, the more we hurt one another with our sharp quills. And in the lonely night of earth’s winter eventually we begin to drift apart and wander out on our own and freeze to death in our loneliness.” Hey, don't wander out into the world.
Have you been stuck? They've apologized, right? Some do that, but if they don't or haven't.. I say forgive em in your heart anyway. Become better rather than bitter. Be careful to speak the truth in love and don't wander outside. Christ forgave us and as an alternative, we can simply do the same—to forgive each other for those sharp pokes we receive. That allows us to stay together and stay warm instead of stiff and frozen.
Habakkuk showed us how to deal with the difficulties and struggles in this life:
1.) Admit them honestly;
2.) Talk to God candidly about them;
3.) Wait quietly before Him in prayer and meditation on the Word;
4.) When God speaks, then listen and obey Him.
When you get hurt in the struggle (say from a sinner, or a saint, or someone who can easily act like either), choose not to run away from God or from a healthy church. Instead, run to Him and to a decent church. Yes, run to Jesus first, and then to a mature believer or leader.
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I say please don't run out into the cold from those struggles, vicissitudes, man-caused trials, and difficulties of life, because God desires to use those difficult circumstances to strengthen your faith. “Never doubt in the dark what God has told you in the light.” Habakkuk showed us that "The just shall live by his faith." (2:4. See Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38)
Come to Jesus today, don't delay! Through biblical faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross, believers can overcome all the trials, opposition, struggles, forces of evil -- we can live victorious lives even unto praise, glory, and worship of Christ.
Jesus' sacrifice unto death and his physical resurrection have provided forgiveness for sins for us. He empowers believers to fight through, to resist temptations, and to walk in obedience to God.
