ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS

by: Linda Kirby/WGON

We are in the end times and every day new evil is pushed upon us. We see the world going crazy with every abomination you can think of being forced on us to accept. We’ve lived through so much in the past 3 years that we wonder what else can happen. Then we hear all the news of what they have planned to do to us that we wonder if we can even endure to the end. Remember, what they mean for evil, God means for good. All this is supposed to happen so the end will come. However, we must stop and ask God what to do. We must STOP. That’s the key.

The story of the prophet Elijah demonstrates this idea. He was on the run from Ahab and Jezebel, fearing for his life (1 Kings 19:4). Exhausted and at the end of his strength, he asked God for an end to his life. Instead, an angel provided him with food and water and told him to rest (1 Kings 19:5-7). Elijah slept and when he woke, the angel gave him bread and water again and told him to rest because the journey he will have before him will be too hard to endure without that rest. ( 1 Kings 19:5-7) Similar to Elijah's story, we all encounter trials that push us beyond our perceived limits. We see each day the trials get even more challenging than before. However, like David and his army resting between battles, and Elijah at the end of his strength, we must find respite in our faith and in God and rest in Him.

Isaiah 40:31: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. God will give us strength but we must surrender ourselves to Him. He guides us through the challenging times ahead. We get that strength when we rest in the Lord. When we take time to rest, our minds become clearer, enabling us to think with more clarity and find tranquility to hear God's voice. By resting, we allow our minds to rejuvenate and attune ourselves to receive His Word.

Elijah found solace in a cave before God instructed him to return to where he began his journey, where he would find like-minded individuals (1 Kings 19). While facing adversity, we may be tempted to retreat into our own personal "caves" - places of isolation where we feel safe from the tumultuous world outside. However, by returning to our roots and re-connecting with others who share our beliefs and values, we can support one another through these trying times.

Though times are difficult and uncertain, taking moments to rest in God, connecting with other believers, and finding strength in shared beliefs will empower us to persevere. Together, we can stand firm, uplift each other, and practice love, even in the face of adversity.

Do not let the adversities of this world or the challenges you face force you into isolation. Instead, unite with like-minded Christians to fulfill God's purpose. Support and uplift one another, sharing in each other's joys and sorrows, and praying together. Face this spiritual battle collectively as a strong battalion. "Onward, Christian soldiers!"

I WILL FOLLOW JESUS THROUGH THE FIRE

by: Linda Kirby: 2/8/23 ©

In every trial, in every pain my love for Him will be the same. With every step, my faith will grow, I'll trust in Him, where er’ I go.

I will follow Jesus, through the fire, With a heart full of love, I'll never tire. Through the storm and the wind, through the night I'll cling to Him, I’ll follow Jesus through the fire.

With every mountain, I'll keep climbing high, For I know Jesus is my guide. With every toil and every snare, I’ll see Jesus everywhere.

I will follow Jesus, through the fire, With a heart full of love, I'll never tire. Through the storm and the wind, through the night I'll cling to him, I’ll follow Jesus through the fire...Yes, I’ll follow Jesus through the fire.

Copyright 2023 Linda Kirby