The Miracle of Resilience: Thriving Against All Odds

Sometimes it seems like the odds are not in your favor but you come out on top! A miracle is a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of God. Resilience is the capacity to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties. When an individual is in a situation that seems impossible for them to overcome, and they not only overcome the situation, but they are thriving. We call that miraculous resilience.  Resilience can be defined as the ability to adapt and recover from adversity, trauma, or significant stress. It's not just about enduring hardship but thriving despite it.

 

Resilient individuals demonstrate a set of psychological traits and behaviors that enable them to navigate through difficult times with grace and determination. These traits include: The ability to manage and control emotions in the face of adversity. A positive outlook and belief in one's ability to overcome challenges.  The capacity to find effective solutions to problems and obstacles. Seeking and utilizing support from friends, family, and community and prioritizing one's physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

 

Are we born with this resilience trait, or can it be developed over time? We know that some people are brave while some are timid and there are multiplicities of personalities. How everyone handles their challenges will be based on their personality and their experience. What we know is that we all will face difficulties during our life and learning to overcome them is important. What does God teach about having resilience or internal fortitude?  The Bible offers numerous verses that speak to the theme of resilience, encouraging believers to persevere through trials and tribulations with faith and hope. Faith in God can play a significant role in building resilience by providing spiritual, emotional, and psychological support during times of adversity. When we read these verses continually and consistently until they become engrained in our minds and hearts, I have found that when trouble arises the Holy Ghost brings them back to my memory and they begin to fortify me internally and help to build my resilience. 

 

Remember now that God is a spirit and God is the Word. When God speaks to us, He expects us to believe and act upon His words. James 1 verse 22 – 23, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass.” Here are some of God's words to us, which He is asking us to believe, conceptualize, internalize, and put into practice in our daily lives.

 

 

Purpose and Meaning

 

Romans 8:28 (NIV) - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This shows that Faith in God gives believers a sense of purpose and meaning, even during trials and tribulations. Believing that God has a plan and that He works all things together for good can provide comfort and motivation to persevere through difficult times.

 

 

Hope and Optimism

 

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This shows that faith in God instills hope and optimism by focusing on His promises and the assurance of His presence and guidance. This hope serves as a powerful motivator to keep moving forward and to believe in better days ahead.

 

Strength and Courage

 

Joshua 1:9 (NIV) - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Faith in God provides believers with the strength and courage to face challenges head-on, knowing that they are not alone but are supported by the Almighty. This divine empowerment enables individuals to overcome fear and tackle obstacles with confidence and resilience.

 

 

Comfort and Peace

 

Psalm 23:4 (NIV) - "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Faith in God offers comfort and peace to you while you are going through suffering and adversity. Believers find solace in the presence of God, trusting in His love, compassion, and sovereignty to provide peace that surpasses all understanding.

 

 

Community and Support

 

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Faith in God connects believers to a community of like-minded individuals who can offer encouragement, support, and prayers during times of hardship. This spiritual fellowship strengthens resilience by providing a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

Transformation and Growth

 

James 1:2-4 (NIV) - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Faith in God allows believers to view trials and challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation. By trusting in God's refining process, individuals can develop resilience, maturity, and character through their experiences.

 

 

Faith in God

 

Faith in God serves as a cornerstone for building resilience by providing purpose, hope, strength, comfort, community, and opportunities for growth. Believers who rely on their faith during times of adversity are empowered to persevere, overcome obstacles, and thrive in their spiritual journey, trusting in God's unfailing love and promises to sustain them through every season of life.

 

 

Thriving Against All Odds

 

The miracle of resilience is most evident when individuals are able to not only survive but thrive in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Stories of resilience abound, from individuals overcoming childhood trauma to communities rebuilding after natural disasters. These stories inspire us and remind us of the incredible human capacity for strength, courage, and transformation.

 

Examples of Resilience

 

Malala Yousafzai was shot by the Taliban for advocating for girls' education, Malala not only survived but became an international advocate for human rights and education.

 

Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years for his anti-apartheid activism, Mandela emerged from prison to become the President of South Africa and a global symbol of peace and reconciliation.

 

J.K. Rowling was a single mother living in poverty, Rowling faced numerous rejections before finding success with the "Harry Potter" series, becoming one of the most successful authors of all time.

 

 

Cultivating Resilience

 

While some people may naturally possess a high level of resilience, it is also a skill that can be cultivated and developed over time. Here are some strategies to help build resilience:

 

Develop a Strong Support Network by surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people who can offer encouragement and guidance during difficult times.

 

Practice Self-Care by making time for activities that nourish your body, mind, and soul, such as exercise, meditation, and hobbies.

 

Cultivate Optimism by focusing on the positives and looking for opportunities for growth and learning in every situation.

 

Set Realistic Goals by breaking down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed and to maintain a sense of accomplishment.

 

Seek Professional Help When Needed: Don't be afraid to seek professional help from therapists, counselors, or support groups to help you navigate through challenging times.

 

 

Conclusion

 

The miracle of resilience is a testament to the incredible strength and potential of the human spirit. It is not about avoiding adversity but facing it head-on and transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and self-discovery. By cultivating resilience through positive habits, supportive relationships, and a hopeful outlook, individuals can thrive against all odds and create a life that is not only successful but also fulfilling and meaningful. So, the next time you find yourself facing a difficult situation, remember that resilience is not just about enduring hardships but thriving in spite of them. Embrace the challenge, tap into your inner strength, and discover the miracle of resilience within you.

Submitting to God as He Reproves (Prunes) and Directs You

   

If you are reading this right now, you may be going through a spiritual pruning. Spiritual pruning is the process of removing the unfruitful or harmful aspects of our lives to make room for fruitful and beneficial ones. It is a form of discipline that God uses to help us grow spiritually and become more like Christ. Hebrews 12:6, “For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.” Pruning may involve cutting off sinful habits, unhealthy relationships, worldly distractions, or anything else that hinders our spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

 

We know that God is love and that He wants us to develop His qualities. We have been chosen to be like Him. We are His bride, and we shall rule and reign with Him. God is therefore perfecting us in this life through the things we experience. There may be some things in your life that need to be changed. God wants you to face them and make the right choices. You will find yourself having to make some tough life decisions.

 

As an avid gardener, I sometimes have to undertake the painful task of pruning my fruit trees. Sometimes I do this to maintain the plant’s health and aesthetics. Pruning when done correctly benefits the tree and its owner. I have experienced the pruning of the Lord Jesus Christ in my life many times. Each of us has our individual strengths, weaknesses, and beliefs. Our beliefs and personalities are shaped by where we were born, how we were educated, the family we were raised in, our unique experiences, and our DNA (Divine Natural Abilities).

 

When we get saved and surrender our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ, He wants us to be transformed and conformed into His image and likeness. That is where our greatest battle begins. I struggled with telling the truth. When I was growing up my friends called me by the nickname Wizla, because they said I was a trickster. After I became a Christian, I was confronted with many situations where I tried to “wizzle” my way out, but I was confronted by the word of God which told me that I could no longer operate in that way. That became a challenge for me. What are some of the habits in your life that you know are contrary to the word of God, but you like to do them? Do they include adultery, fornication, stealing, unforgiveness, envy, or others?

 

Spiritual pruning involves being put in situations where you are confronted by your bad habits, thoughts, beliefs, emotions, relationships, or attachments that are preventing you from reaching your true potential and you are forced to let go of them. You may not want to, but you have to make a choice. It is a form of discipline that God uses to help us grow spiritually and become more like Christ. Pruning may involve cutting off sinful habits, unhealthy relationships, worldly distractions, or anything else that hinders our spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

 

 

Spiritual Pruning is a Scripturally Based Principle

 

We have been told by the Lord to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service (Romans 12:1). When an animal was offered as a sacrifice it was slain and then placed on the altar for an offering. We, however, are living sacrifices, so we feel the pain of change. That is why Hebrews 12:11 states, “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”

 

The pruning that you are going through at this time may be causing you to feel sad and downhearted. You may even feel like you should give up and walk away from the faith. I am encouraging you not to give up. As the bible states in Hebrews 12:12, “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” This means that even though you are going through your pruning, the Lord Jesus wants you to encourage yourself. Rest assured that He is working it out for your good.

 

Here are some Bible verses that show why God is allowing you to go through this process:

- John 15:1-2 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

- Proverbs 3:11-12 “My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”

- Colossians 2:6-7 “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

- Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

 

 

Challenges of Spiritual Pruning

 

- Pruning requires humility. We need to acknowledge our need for God’s correction and guidance and submit to His will.

- Pruning requires faith. We need to trust God’s goodness and wisdom, even when we don’t understand His ways or see His plans.

- Pruning requires patience. We need to endure God’s discipline with perseverance and hope, knowing that He is working for our good.

- Pruning requires obedience. We need to follow God’s commands and instructions, even when they go against our preferences or desires.

 

 

Ways in which spiritual pruning can have a positive impact on our spiritual growth:

 

Spiritual pruning is not easy or comfortable. It can be challenging in many ways. The process often involves self-reflection, introspection, and sometimes seeking guidance from spiritual mentors or practices such as meditation, prayer, or mindfulness. By eliminating distractions, negativity, and excess baggage from your life, you can create space for new growth, greater clarity, and a deeper connection with your spiritual beliefs or higher purpose. It is about purifying the mind, heart, and soul, to cultivate a more harmonious and fulfilling spiritual life.

 

- Pruning helps us abide in Christ. As we remain connected to the true vine, we receive His life and grace to bear fruit for His glory.

- Pruning helps us become more like Christ. As we are “conformed” to His image, we reflect His character and love to others.

- Pruning helps us produce more fruit. As we are refined by God’s discipline, we become more productive and effective in His Kingdom.

- Pruning helps us experience more joy. As we are filled with His Spirit, we overflow with His joy and peace.

- Pruning leads to spiritual transformation. As we are changed from the inside out by God’s grace, we become new creations in Christ.

- Pruning leads to spiritual maturity. As we grow in wisdom and understanding of God’s Word, we become more equipped and ready for every good work.

- Pruning leads to spiritual reward. As we serve God faithfully and fruitfully by His power, we receive His approval and blessing.

- Pruning leads to spiritual legacy. As we share God’s love and truth with others through our words and actions, we make a lasting impact on their lives.

 

 

Impacts on Our Personal Growth:

 

Mental Clarity and Peace: Pruning the mind of negative thought patterns and distractions fosters mental clarity, peace, and focus. This can lead to better decision-making, increased productivity, and a deeper sense of inner calm.

 

Emotional Well-being: Pruning the heart of negative emotions and cultivating love, compassion, and forgiveness promotes emotional resilience, satisfaction, and healthier relationships. It allows for greater joy, contentment, and a sense of fulfillment in life.

 

Alignment with Higher Values: Pruning the will of selfish desires and aligning with higher principles or spiritual values leads to a sense of purpose, integrity, and authenticity. It fosters a deeper connection with one's inner truth and a more meaningful way of living.

 

Strength of Character: Pruning character weaknesses and cultivating virtues such as honesty, humility, and patience builds inner strength, resilience, and moral integrity. It enhances self-esteem, confidence, and the ability to navigate life's challenges with grace and dignity.

 

Healthy Relationships: Pruning toxic relationships and nurturing healthy connections based on mutual respect and empathy fosters deeper intimacy, trust, and support in relationships. It leads to greater harmony, communication, and fulfillment in personal and professional interactions.

Clarity of Purpose: Pruning distractions and clarifying one's purpose or calling in life provides direction, focus, and motivation. It empowers individuals to pursue goals aligned with their passions and values, leading to a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.

 

Spiritual Connection and Growth: Pruning barriers to spiritual connection and deepening one's relationship with the divine or higher power fosters inner peace, spiritual fulfillment, and a sense of interconnectedness with all beings. It leads to greater wisdom, compassion, and a transcendent perspective on life's challenges.

 

No one likes chastisement at the outset, however, with hindsight you will be able to appreciate it. 2 Timothy 3:16-7, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” By embracing God’s pruning in our lives, we can experience a more fulfilled and purposeful life that glorifies Him and blesses others. I am asking you not to run away from your test but to surrender your will to His will and allow yourself to be transformed into His image and character.

Are You pursuing Your Calling?

Are you fulfilling your purpose or calling? I have asked myself that many times. We often think of our calling or purpose as the career we pursue in life, but is it? What made you choose your career was it the expectations of your: parents, teachers, community, and social norms, or was it what you really wanted to do? Do you recall ever being asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” What was your answer? I was asked that question many times and my reply was always that I wanted to be a soldier, but when I was old enough to apply to the military, I was denied because of health reasons. Most times when a child is asked that question, they will enthusiastically state the type of job they want to do when they become adults. Some may even say they want to be a parent. Over the years this may change to other types of jobs and eventually, a choice is made. They may even change the type of job they do several times in their lifetime.

 

Many factors may have contributed to the choice and sometimes it is not a right fit for a person, still, they feel happy and fulfilled pursuing that career. In some cases, someone may feel trapped based on their situation, especially if they need to pursue that career to pay the bills and they can see no other option. They settle in it and as the years go by, they become more and more disillusioned. This type of situation does not only happen with a career but with other aspects of life also. It may be the ministry you serve in, the spouse you have, your lifestyle, the country you live in, or the dream you have to do something different. Is our calling about our career, marriage, having children, or our lifestyle? You may have checked all the boxes on what you consider the perfect plan for your life and still an emptiness persists. You may feel like you are not living up to your full potential and wonder if you are fulfilling the purpose that God has for your life. Many Christians face the same challenges and frustrations as they try to discover and follow God's will for their lives.

Is there hope? Can things change? Can I change my situation and begin to pursue my passion and purpose? Yes, yes there is hope. You can change. You can transform your situation. It won't be easy, but it can be done. The first step is to acknowledge how you feel and confess it to the Lord in prayer. Next, prepare to fight because changing one's situation is never easy and it will require persistence, faith, determination, and courage.

Fear is a major obstacle that you have to overcome. You may ask yourself, "Am I doing the right thing? Where will I get the money from? Will People think I am foolish? What will happen if it does not work? Am I sure this is what God wants me to do?" All these questions will begin to swirl in your mind and may scare you to not even try. As Jesus said fear brings torment.

The second step is to know and accept who God says you are. He says that you are His son or daughter (1 John 3 vs 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God) and since you are His child, and every good father takes care of their children you can be confident that Jesus will take good care of you. I remember when I lost my job, I was devastated, I had been praying for months to keep my job and when I was told that I was terminated I was gripped with fear. I asked myself, what am I going to do? How am I going to take care of my family? How soon can I bounce back? I then started to pray. I did not ask the Lord, "Why me?". I acknowledged my situation and asked Him for strength and favor to start rebuilding my career and fulfilling God’s purpose in my life.

 

What are some things that all Christians are called by God to do?

 

As Christians, we are called to live according to God's will and purpose. But what does that mean in practice? What is God’s will and how can we know what He wants us to do in our daily lives?

GOD’S WILL

God’s will is that all men and women have eternal life and none perish. His will is that we love Him with all our heart, body mind, and soul and love our brothers and sisters as we love ourselves. His love for us is so intense that He gave His Life on the cross so that we can all inherit eternal life, and He gave us His spirit so that His spirit will raise our self-esteem so that we love ourselves and love our brothers and sisters similarly. Can you just for a second imagine what this world would be like if we all accepted the Love of Jesus Christ and put into practice His principles. There would be no war, no famine, no starvation, no adultery, no fornication, and no abortion, We would all be living in love and harmony.

The Lord Jesus' will for us is clearly outlined in His words. He wants us to accept the gift of eternal life by repenting of our sins and to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2: 38). He then wants us to live a life pleasing to Him by applying His word to our lives daily. As we develop the habit of prayer, bible reading, fellowship, worship, and praise it changes how we think and act. As we learn from the Lord, we should practice what we learn with our spouses, children, family, and neighbors. Just like we apply what we learn in school in our daily lives, we should do the same with what we learn from Christ.

As Jesus changes us, we change our situation and we begin to see ourselves as He sees us. (Psalm 139:14 - "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.") As our self-esteem grows, we recognize that we can do all things through Christ that strengthens us. We can accept the fact that we are now the sons and daughters of reconciliation, and He has given us the ministry of reconciliation: (2 Corinthians 5:17-19 - "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.")

(Reconciliation means “The restoration of friendly relations and the action of making one view or belief compatible with another”.)

As we go about our daily lives, our lifestyle should impact those around us and help them to be reconciled with Christ. They should feel the love of Christ flowing through us and be stirred to want this love. Since they know that we are ambassadors for Christ they will gladly surrender their lives to Him also.

As good as all that sounds, it is easier said than done. However, it should become our goal and motivation to be like Him and to grow into love, for God is Love. You will fall many times during this quest, but His words, prayer, and Spirit will comfort you and keep you going forward. (Proverbs 24:16 - "For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again.")

I believe that your work is a means to an end. It brings in money to take care of the things that money is needed for, however, our complete purpose is attained when we incorporate Christ into our daily lives. Life is more than owning houses, cars, businesses, and having children and money. To attain the gift of eternal life, humanity living in harmony, no wars, no famines, no hate, just love for each other - that is life's purpose.

How to Pray for Others and Avoid Gossiping

We all know the importance of prayer, especially for those who are going through difficult times. We need to pray for each other, but we may not realize that our prayers or prayer requests can turn into gossip if we are not careful about how we share the information and what our motives are. Sometimes people ask others to pray for someone else because they want to let everyone know that the person is having a difficulty. They do this under the guise of making a prayer request. They may want to show that they have information about the situation. Gossip is not only harmful to the person we are talking about but also to our church community, to ourselves, and to our relationship with God.

 

Gossip is defined as "idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others". It can also be "a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others". 

Gossip can take many forms, such as:

 

- Sharing details that are not necessary or relevant for prayer

- Sharing details that are confidential or sensitive

- Sharing details that are negative or judgmental

- Sharing details that are exaggerated or distorted

- Sharing details that are motivated by pride, envy, anger, or malice

 

Gossip can hurt the person we are talking about, by:

 

- Damaging their reputation or character

- Exposing their weaknesses or faults

- Invading their privacy or dignity

- Causing them embarrassment or shame

- Spreading false or misleading information

 

Gossip can also hurt ourselves and our relationship with God, by:

 

- Wasting our time and energy on trivial matters

- Distracting us from our own issues and responsibilities

- Corrupting our hearts and minds with negativity and sin

- Breaking trust and unity with others

- Disobeying God's commandments and displeasing Him

 

So how can we pray for others without gossiping? Here are some tips to help us:

 

- Check our motives. Before we share anything, we should ask ourselves: Why do I want to share this? Is it to help the person in need, or to satisfy my curiosity, show off my knowledge, or vent my feelings? Is it to glorify God, or to gratify myself?

- Respect confidentiality. If someone has confided in us, we should respect their trust and privacy. We should not reveal anything that they have not given us permission to share. We should also avoid asking for more details than what they are willing to share.

- Be selective. We should not share everything with everyone. We should choose wisely who we share with, and how much we share. We should only share with those who are mature, trustworthy, and compassionate. We should also limit the number of people we share with, to avoid spreading the information too widely.

- Be positive. We should focus on the positive aspects of the person and the situation, rather than the negative ones. We should emphasize their strengths and virtues, rather than their weaknesses and faults. We should also express hope and faith in God's power and grace, rather than doubt and despair.

- Be accurate. We should be careful not to exaggerate or distort the facts. We should stick to what we know for sure and avoid speculating or assuming. We should also correct any misinformation or misunderstanding that we may encounter.

- Be respectful. We should treat the person and the situation with respect and dignity. We should not mock, ridicule, or criticize them. We should also avoid using harsh or hurtful words, such as "stupid", "crazy", or "sinful".

- Be loving. We should pray for others with love and compassion. We should empathize with their feelings and needs, rather than judge them or condemn them. We should also pray for their good and their salvation, rather than their harm or their punishment.

 

The Bible warns us about the dangers of gossip and urges us to control our tongues and purify our hearts. James 3:5-6 says: "Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider how a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."

 Follow the Example Set by Jesus

The Bible also gives us examples of how to pray for others without gossiping. Job is an excellent example of how callous we can be as Christians when others are in pain and suffering. His friends accused him of being sinful and wicked, instead of comforting him and supporting him. Job 16:2 says: "I have heard many things like these; you are miserable comforters, all of you."

 

On the other hand, Jesus is the perfect example of how loving and compassionate we can be as Christians when others are in need. He prayed for his enemies, his disciples, and his followers. He also taught us how to pray for others in Matthew 6:9-13: "This, then, is how you should pray:

 

Our Father in Heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.

 For the kingdom, the power, 

and the glory are yours

 now and forever. 

Amen."

Let us follow the example of Jesus and pray for others without gossiping. Let us remember that what we do not want for ourselves, we should not do to others. Let us also remember that God is watching and listening to everything we say and do. Proverbs 15:3 says: "The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good."

 

May God help us to control our tongues and purge our hearts. May He help us to show love and kindness to everyone.  May He bless us as we pray for others in His name. Amen.

Does God Exist? Is the Bible True? Can Our Faith Survive?

 In a world where many voices are trying to undermine the Christian faith, how can believers stay strong and confident in their relationship with God? How can they avoid being influenced by the negativity and doubt that surrounds them? How can they deal with their own questions and struggles when they face difficulties in life? These are some of the challenges that Christians face in the modern age, and they require wisdom, discernment, and courage to overcome.

 

One of the first things that Christians need to do is to be grounded in the truth of God's word. The Bible is not a human invention, but a divine revelation that reveals who God is, what He has done, and what He promises to do. The Bible is the ultimate authority for our faith and practice, and it is the source of our hope and joy. The Bible is not a book of myths or legends, but a book of history and prophecy that confirms the reality of God's existence, the deity of Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is not a book of rules or regulations, but a book of love and grace that shows us how to live in a way that pleases God and blesses others.

 

Therefore, Christians need to read, study, meditate and memorize the Bible regularly. They need to apply its teachings to their lives and obey its commands. They need to pray over its promises and claim them by faith. They need to share its message with others and defend it against attacks. They need to love the Bible as God's word and treasure it as their most precious possession.

 

Another thing that Christians need to do is to be connected to the body of Christ. The church is not a human organization, but a divine institution that represents God's presence and purpose in the world. The church is not a social club or a religious ritual, but a spiritual family and a mission force. The church is not a place or a program, but a people and a movement. The church is not an option or an accessory, but a necessity and a priority for every believer.

 

Therefore, Christians need to be involved in a local church that teaches sound doctrine, practices biblical worship, fosters loving fellowship, promotes godly service, and engages in faithful witness. They need to submit to the leadership of their pastors and elders, support the ministry of their deacons and teachers, encourage the growth of their brothers and sisters, and welcome the diversity of their guests and visitors. They need to participate in the public gatherings and the small groups of their church, contribute their time, talents, and treasures to its work, seek its counsel, correction, and comfort in times of need, and celebrate its joys and sorrows as one body.

 

A third thing Christians need to do is be filled with the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit is not a force or an influence, but a person whom Jesus sent to be our Comforter. The Holy Spirit is not an addition or an improvement, but an essential and indispensable part of our salvation. The Holy Spirit is not a temporary or an occasional gift, but a permanent and ongoing presence in our lives. The Holy Spirit is not a source of confusion or division, but an agent of clarity and unity among God's people.

 

Therefore, Christians need to yield to the control and guidance of the Holy Spirit daily. They need to confess their sins and repent of their rebellion against Him. They need to ask for His filling and empowerment for every situation they face. They need to listen to His voice and follow His direction through His word. They need to cultivate His fruit and exercise His gifts for His glory. They need to acknowledge His sovereignty and cooperate with His work in their lives.

 

These are some ways Christians can maintain their beliefs, faith, and trust in God in a hostile world. They can avoid all the negativity by focusing on the positivity of God's word, God's people, and God's Spirit. They can also read those articles or watch videos that question or challenge their faith with discernment and confidence, knowing that God's truth will always prevail over human error. When they are struggling in life and questioning their own beliefs, they can turn to God in prayer, seek His help through His word, find support from His people, and rely on His grace through His Spirit.

 

God has not left us alone or defenseless in this world. He has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him (2 Peter 1:3). He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He has assured us that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). He has guaranteed us that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).

 

Let us therefore hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).