THE WORD OF GOD SAYS
FACE THE BATTLES BY STANDING FIRM UPON YOUR FAITH, BUT NEVER RUN AWAY FROM FEAR
When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside.
2 Corinthians 7:5 (NLT)
YOU WILL ONLY BE DEFEATED IN YOUR INNER BATTLES IF YOU REJECT GOD’s CARE
‘“My care for the people of Judah is like the gently flowing waters of Shiloah, but they have rejected it. They are rejoicing over what will happen to King Rezin and King Pekah. Then the Lord spoke to me again and said, “Huddle together, you nations, and be terrified. Listen, all you distant lands. Prepare for battle, but you will be crushed! Yes, prepare for battle, but you will be crushed! ‘
Isaiah 8:5-6,9 NLT
BE ASSURED IN YOUR FAITH EVEN IN DIFFICULT TIMES
Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4 AMP
STAND FIRM ON YOUR FAITH
If you don’t take your stand in faith, you won’t have a leg to stand on.
Isaiah 7:7-9 MSG
DON’T LOOSE YOUR GRIP ON YOUR FAITH, HOLD ON AS IF YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT
All those prayers are coming together now so you will do this well, fearless in your struggle, keeping a firm grip on your faith and on yourself. After all, this is a fight we’re in.
1 Tim 1:19 MSG
TEMPTATION COMES FROM YOUR OWN DESIRES
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God” [for temptation does not originate from God, but from our own flaws]; for God cannot be tempted by [what is] evil, and He Himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is dragged away, enticed and baited [to commit sin] by his own [worldly] desire (lust, passion). Then when the illicit desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin has run its course, it gives birth to death.
James 1:13-15 AMP
HE WILL HELP YOU WHEN YOU ARE OVERLOADED
The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.
Psalms 145:14 NLT
Pile your troubles on God ’s shoulders— he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. He’ll never let good people topple into ruin. But you, God, will throw the others into a muddy bog, Cut the lifespan of assassins and traitors in half. And I trust in you.
Psalm 55:22-23 MSG
RESTORE OTHERS WHO ARE GOING THOUGH DIFFICULT TIMES
Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived. Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.
Galatians 6:1-5 MSG
STOP FINDING FAULT
Repeat these basic essentials over and over to God’s people. Warn them before God against pious nitpicking, which chips away at the faith. It just wears everyone out…
2 Timothy 2:14-18 MSG
KEEP AT IT—JUST STICK IT OUT
Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.
James 1:12 MSG
THE BATTLE HAS ALREADY BEEN WON
I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one.
1 John 2:14 NLT
Don’t let this flood drown me. Save me from these deep waters or I’ll go down to the pit of destruction. Oh, Lord God, answer my prayers! I need to see your tender kindness, your grace, your compassion, and your constant love. Just let me see your face, and turn your heart toward me. Come running quickly to your servant. In this deep distress, come and answer my prayer. Come closer as a friend and redeem me. Set me free so my enemies cannot say that you are powerless.
Psalms 69:15-18 TPT
