A Testimony Of A Sort . . . . . . & Encouragement
In my thirty plus years of walking with The Lord, I've been given tons of “bad advise”. These admonitions came from co-workers, supervisors, associates and friends and yea, even mine own family.
Statements were made to the affect of:
“It's only a fad. It will wear off one day.” said by a supervisor, when I told her ( way back when ) that I had just gotten “saved”
“Are you going to be a Pastor or a Preacher? Why are you going to church so much?” asked another person.
“Why is your church so far away? Surely there is one right there in the neighborhood where you live.” said another.
“Are you giving all of your money to that Pastor?” was yet another query.
“Does your church give you a tax statement? Do you know what they are doing with all of the money you give them?” Obviously this was an accountant.
“Do you believe every word he ( the Pastor ) says? He's only a man you know.” was another stinging comment.
“You need to get a hobby.” suggested yet another.
“You need to get out more. Kick up your heels and enjoy life.” was another quip.
“You need a boyfriend.” totally out of left field.
“You need to go back to school and make something of yourself.”
“You need to fix yourself up and maybe someone will take an interest in you.”
"I know some nice guys. You want me to hook you up?"
“You need to get a life.”
“You'll never amount to anything.”
“You are going to die and leave this world dirt poor and unnoticed.”
“My God! They've turned you into a Eunuch. No man, no children, no nothing!”
“You are all alone.”
“You are an old maid.”
And there are countless such comments that I can't remember right now. All of them were not good and definitely not encouraging. Back then I was a baby Christian and didn't know how to defend myself. So, I took the full brunt of the slung stones and arrow jabs and stabs and suffered tremendously. What made it even harder to bear was that fact that many of these statements were said by "loved ones". . . . .
Of course I knew absolutely nothing about the SPIRITUAL WARFARE that was going on behind the scenes! And that I was supposed to be armed and ready to do battle, take back territory, and stand my ground!
Ephesians 6:11-13 (Amplified Bible)
11. Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
12. For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotism, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
13. Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
Now, I not only know how to recognize “spiritual warfare” but how to answer those statements. And how answer them according to The Holy Spirit's leading. Yes, there are many times where The Holy Spirit tells me to be like my Heavenly Master. To be silent before my accusers, ones who ridicule, and ones to seek to start pointless arguments.
Indeed there were times when Jesus simply ignored His verbal antagonists. Why? Because He discerned that they really weren't looking for answers. They were just looking to entrap and ensnare Him in foolishness.
On the other hand there are times when He leads me to “come out swinging”! This only comes from a solid relationship with God and being under The Word Of God, and fellowship with my local church/assembly/with other believers on a consistent basis. For worship, fellowship, encouragement and prayer.
Ephesians 5:15-17 (Amplified Bible)
15. Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people),
16. Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.
17. Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.
The Word of God is what produces understanding ( “the underpinning” ) and the armor for the Christian. Nothing else. The Word Of God also clues you into what Satan is up to and what pitfalls to avoid. Believers literally have to be equipped like those soldiers in Iraq & Afghanistan!
Yes, the battle is THAT intense! Satan intends not only to put you out of the race, but KILL you! It is is only by God's grace and mercy that he does not! Why? Because God is the Author and Finisher of Life and He holds your life in HIS hands! You leave here because GOD says so, not because Satan wants you to be gone!
Back to the subject.
Receiving, believing and digesting The Word of God ( yes, even the “hard sayings” and the “bitter” parts ) will produce the manifestation of Christ in you. That's why you are here. So, the non-believes can look at you like a mirror, and see a reflection of Jesus Christ. Nothing else but Jesus.
Then you will be like the early church, where the non-believers called the believers in Christ, “Christ – tins” because they looked like little Christs or little Jesus'.
Go Forth In Christ
