It's Time to Arm Yourself for Change
It’s here. The storm is upon us. Lately, I have caught myself rehearsing a lie from my past: “I can’t handle this.” That is what I used to believe. I didn’t want to process difficult and traumatic memories from my past because I felt it would overwhelm me. The opposite was true. Facing the past became the path to healing.
Likewise, sometimes I lack courage and confidence in my ability to navigate the future. I wonder if “I can handle it.” Every week things are happening I never thought I’d see on American soil and I sometimes I am afraid and anxious. I don't think I am alone.
Based on recent reports, everything is up- addiction, abuse, depression, and suicide. People are in crisis. We are trying to cope the best way we know how, but our methods are sometimes unhealthy and counterproductive. Is there anything we can do? Where should we turn for help
Friends, the harvest is ripe. Soon, the wheat will be separated from the chaff. How will this occur? Things like famine, pestilence, political unrest, and religious persecution will test each of us personally. The question is how will we respond? Will we be blown away like useless chaff? Or will be fall to threshing floor as valuable grain?
If you are a Christian, you need to Arm Yourself for Change.
America loves freedom. But things are changing. The battle being waged is spiritual at its core. It may seem political in nature, but it’s really a case of good versus evil. We must arm ourselves for battle using the spiritual weapons available to us. And I do mean everyone. I don’t care what your stand is on the vaccine, or what your thoughts are on the last election. Every Christian is going to need to be armed and ready. What does this look like in a practical sense?
1. Memorize the Word of God.
"For the word of God is living and active.Sharper than any double-edged sword." Hebrews 4:12
I’m a big fan of Corrie Ten Boom. She and her sister were confined to a concentration camp during WWII. In an article written in 1974, she encouraged believers to prepare for tribulation and persecution by memorizing scripture.
“When I was in the concentration camp, a camp where only twenty percent of the women came out alive, we tried to cheer each other up by saying, “Nothing could be any worse than today.” But we would find the next day was even worse. During this time a Bible verse that I had committed to memory gave me great hope and joy. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are greatly blessed, because the Spirit of glory and power, who is the Spirit of God, rests upon you. (I Peter 4:14). I found myself saying, “Hallelujah! Because I am suffering, Jesus is glorified!”
It is not natural to rejoice in suffering. Wouldn’t you agree? It’s supernatural! Only the Holy
Spirit, working in our minds and hearts can produce a response like Corrie’s in the face of persecution. I’m going to spend more time in God’s Word and do the hard work of committing it to memory. Will you join me? Not sure where to start? Check out the list of scriptures at the end of this post.
Another way to Arm Ourselves for Battle is to:
2. Strengthen Relationships with Other Believers
Friends we need each other now more than ever. And yet, the spirit of the antichrist is trying to divide and isolate believers. Every day another fear driven strategy is implemented to isolate and divide God’s people.
Do you feel it? Has it impacted your family in a real way? Yesterday my phone was blowing up with texts from dear friends whose livelihoods are being threatened. The Church of Acts came to mind again. How many times have I read about the birth of the church? Too many to count. Now, suddenly I get it! I realize why they met together daily.
Peter, speaking to a crowd of believers said:
Save yourselves from this corrupt generation….Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
In the face of opposition and persecution, the church grew. People huddled together in homes on a daily basis to pray, study God’s Word and encourage each other. Everyone was filled with the Holy Spirit, and many supernatural things were taking place! They ate together and praised God together! And guess what? The Lord added to their numbers daily.
Friends, time is short. Jesus could return at any moment. The antidote for the situation we are facing is to band together. There is strength in numbers. My best days right now include community. When my friends and I gather, share our concerns, and pray….God responds. My heart is lighter and my joy meter goes up.
Do you have people like this in your life? Then you need to get some!! Simply do what I have done, and ask people to come over and hang out. Tell them they are important to you, and ask them if they sense the need for prayer. I think what you will find is people are hungry for the same things you are.
Resources:
Want to memorize scripture? If you don't know where to start, then check out this list I found. https://www.kendrafletcher.com/kendra-fletcher/100-scripture-memorize
Attend the RENOVATION Conference in October.
Meaningful Conversations around Faith, Family, and Healthy Sexuality.
https://allevents.in/spokane/renovation-conference/200021321622752