There are so many different topics running through my head as I listen to beautiful Italian music. Yeah, I sometimes sit at home on a Friday evening listening to music while simply enjoying the quiet time after a hectic week.
Despite the flurry of thoughts and ideas for this post-one in particular struck a cord with my heart.
I am blessed with friends who encourage me in my faith and with whom I can discuss anything!
And! As a friendship should, the encouraging goes both ways. Last week, I was blessed with the opportunity to council a friend who was experiencing some persecution at work. I'll be honest, I don't know all of the details regarding the confrontation (and frankly, that's not important), but my friend was very shaken, hurt, and angry about the way she had been treated.
She said, "Tanya, before I became a Christian, I would have thought nothing of giving this woman a taste of her own medicine; even going to the lengths of cussing her out. But, after I came to Christ, I was determined to put away that type of behavior. Instead, I have learned to walk away-almost to the point of being completely passive. I no longer fight for myself; instead, I walk away and try to completely avoid all confrontation. I do my best to turn the other cheek as Christ asks us to."
I understand where my girlfriend is coming from. I truly do! Christ does in fact command us to offer the other cheek, should someone strike us (Matt. 5:39). However, this is not the only thing the Bible says regarding fighting and preparing for battle. In fact, the subject is discussed at least 53 times and ranges from physical discord to spiritual battles faced by believers.
I responded with this after praying for God's wisdom.
I said, "Don't use Christianity as an excuse to remain passive. Becoming a Christian does NOT keep us FROM fighting, but rather CHANGES HOW we fight. We no longer strike out with malicious intent, but rather with the LOVE of Christ that dwells within our hearts. Everyday is a battle for believers! It comes in many forms! Physical persecution, as well as, the very real spiritual warfare waged upon us by the Enemy. In fact, we can not afford to remain passive, but we MUST BE AWARE of our all our surroundings! Let Christ give you strength and wisdom in these situations, but DO NOT sit back and take it without standing up for yourself!"
As our conversation drew to close, I referenced one of my favorite passages in scripture, which can be found in Ephesians 6:13-18. "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at ALL times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication."
Everyday, we must prepare ourselves for battle. Everyday, we must "suit up" in God's armor, because we are POWERLESS to do it alone! Becoming a Christian does not guarantee a life free from worry. In fact, Christ says we will suffer much as His followers. But take heart, my dear friends! Christ also promises eternal rewards for being obedient and faithful to His word and most importantly, accepting His work on the cross for our sins-SALVATION!
I will leave you with this final passage. In times of distress, I repeat these verses and find great comfort in their truth!
"For God gave us a spirit NOT of fear BUT of power and love and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:7.
Take heart! God knows every struggle you face and every battle waged upon you! He hears each prayer-even those of a silent heart and holds each tear in the palm of His hand. You are far from alone in this world. Come alongside your brothers and sisters in Christ, your family and your friends, and join together as Christian Soldiers in the Lord's Army!
God Bless! <3
