Ready:
“I believed, even when I said, ‘I am severely oppressed.’” – Psalm 116:10
Set:
In life, we are going to go through the unthinkable at times. Career ending injuries, family trouble, mental illness, spiritual warfare, relationship issues, betrayal, depression, sadness, physical harm or illness, failing grades, the list continues on. Jesus tells us in John 16:33 that we will have suffering in this world, but we can be courageous because He has conquered the world.
I want you to think of a country whose leader is an extreme dictator, making his people live their lives in chains under his direction. Another country comes in and liberates them. The country conquers the oppressive government system and liberates the people. The effects of the conquering and liberation might feel slow, but eventually it will trickle throughout the land.
That is an analogy of what we are dealing with down here. Jesus has conquered the world, death and the grave. Our King is coming for us. And we must choose to trust when we are still eyeball deep in troubles and suffering. He’s already defeated the enemy. Now we Christians are boots on the ground to join His mission in winning back those the enemy has deceived in our areas. Life is going to be rough, but we must choose to believe. Choose to trust and stand firm in the One who liberated us.
When our faith is hard-pressed, it becomes firmer. We can be angry at the coach for increasing the intensity of our workouts, questioning what he or she is thinking or if their intentions are good. But when the game gets intense and we are able to keep up more easily, then we will thank the coach for pushing us to greatness. God is going to be faithful in His part, which leaves only one more part to be dealt with: yours. What will you do when you’re hard pressed?
Go:
Write down one current struggle you are facing right now. How can you walk forward in believing and trusting in the One who has conquered it all?
Who has the enemy deceived in your area of influence? How can you join Christ’s mission in loving that person and sharing the Gospel with them?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me. Thank You for entering enemy territory and giving Your all that I might be saved. Thank You for believing I was worth it. Thank You for allowing me to join You on the greatest mission. Please strengthen my faith however You see fit. I will believe even when I am severely hard pressed I love You.”