At this time in the
USA, we are witnessing a clash of strong beliefs and also some personal pride.
This is a great nation founded on Christian principles, but led by humans to the
degree to which they will allow the Holy spirit to guide them. It is wise to
remember Jesus’ words about discord for those who have the indwelling Holy
Spirit, “ I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so
that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”
Jn. 17:23(ESV)
Many times we look around us at the struggles and become angry, disappointed, and perhaps disoriented. What seems to be an easy thing to overlook is quite important to another person; things which are very important to us may be of less value to others. This environment can cause great stress an leave us feeling vulnerable. But vulnerable to whom? If we view this opponent as other people, we may find ourselves becoming defensive begin battling one another, and forgetting we share the real enemy. Harsh words spoken, friendships broken; we choose sides and draw lines. Feelings get hurt. Betrayal runs deep. It gets harder to forgive and keep moving forward. And sometimes we get stuck in the murky challenge of life lived not dependent on Spirit guidance.
Many times we look around us at the struggles and become angry, disappointed, and perhaps disoriented. What seems to be an easy thing to overlook is quite important to another person; things which are very important to us may be of less value to others. This environment can cause great stress an leave us feeling vulnerable. But vulnerable to whom? If we view this opponent as other people, we may find ourselves becoming defensive begin battling one another, and forgetting we share the real enemy. Harsh words spoken, friendships broken; we choose sides and draw lines. Feelings get hurt. Betrayal runs deep. It gets harder to forgive and keep moving forward. And sometimes we get stuck in the murky challenge of life lived not dependent on Spirit guidance.
When
we find ourselves in situations like this, we need to look to the Holy Spirit
for guidance. He will defend us, that his comfort us, during these times if we
will allow Him to do so. We must recognize the real enemy, Satan and ask for
the Holy Spirit to help. Only with help from the indwelling Holy Spirit can we
defeat Satan. When we are aligned with guidance from the Holy Spirit, Satan
will not overpower us. His schemes are cunning and cruel. He’ll twist words and
truth, trading them for lies, and stirring up fires. But, together, we are even
more powerful. Satan knows that we’re stronger together as we encourage one
another on. He’s aware that we’re courageous and brave when we’re covering one
another in prayer. He understands that the unity of believers through the power
of Jesus Christ, is a force that can’t be reckoned with. For it’s hard to tear
apart a cord of three strands, which can’t be easily broken. “Therefore
we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are
being renewed day by day.” — 2 Cor. 4:16 (NIV)
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