1.1.6. Weakness of the pride
Don’t enter into helping or serving another because of obligation or expectation. We must be careful to remain humble when walking alongside those who suffer. For it is so easy to slip into the trap of thinking more highly of yourself than you should when you are surrounded by another’s shortcomings. “Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!” (Romans 12:16).
When you are in the midst of these feelings, go to God in prayer now and allow Him to transform your heart.
*Jesus Christ- Christ comes from Christos, a Greek word that means “the anointed one,” or “the chosen one.” Bible often refers to Jesus by name as “Jesus Christ,” just as we do in modern usage (see Matthew 1:1, 18; Mark 1:1; John 1:17; 17:3; Acts 3:6; Romans 3:24, etc.). When Jesus asked His disciples who they thought He was, Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).
*Elijah-Elijah’s name means “Yahweh is my God” and is spelled Elias in some versions of the Bible. The story of his prophetic career in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reigns of Kings Ahab and Ahaziah is told in 1 Kings 17–19 and 2 Kings 1–2 in the Old Testament.
*Samson- a member of the tribe of Dan, was one of the Judges of Israel. He Judged Israel for 20 years.
2
BATTLES, CHALLENGES AND STRUGGLES OF LIFE
Beloved, have you realised that when the only tool you own is a hammer, every problem begins to resemble a nail. It is even harder to go out there and get into action when you never sat down long enough to plan. So, do not go out charging into the battle without a plan. Above all if you get a Godly advice or counsel you will surely succeed. For plans are established by seeking advice; so “if you wage war, obtain guidance.” (Proverbs 20:18)
When you are in war, if you are not attacking you will be attacked by the enemy. When the enemy wants to devour you that is when you need to get more determined. Keep your faith in God, and look unto Him; because if you cannot take it then you would not make it. We usually have a remarkable ability to keep fighting, as long as we do not lose sight of what we are fighting for. “Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle;” (Psalm 144:1)
There comes a point in time where you stop feeling sorry for yourself and get up and do something about your situation. Tell that mountain to move. If you avoid the battle you were born for, you often end up facing battles not meant for you. You are never too small or old to move mountains, you are never too lost to be found.
You are never too sick to be healed, when faith in your life is abound everything possible. Being scared would not help, but being prepared does. Face your fear and prepare yourself for whatever task ahead. Much happens when you focus on the greatness of God rather than the problem in front of you. “For the LORD your God is the One who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” (Deuteronomy 20:4)
It also depends on who are you turning to when troubles come. For it is not always God’s will to remove our troubles but, to teach us how to turn to Him instead of others. Thus, if your walk with Him was easy or without any challenges then how you would get stronger. So, God is not going to move every mountain… there are times when you will need to put your faith to work and start climbing.
God is not always going to put everything in your hands. Sometimes, He will put it three steps away to see if you are willing to go get it.
He does not always just give you things, sometimes He makes you notice things, change your state of mind and overall gives you the opportunity. He want you to grow through everything that you go through. There may be complexities and difficulties that may exist in life but you have been created, or made for them. When life struggles make us weary or weak we can find rest in God alone. Just believe…”The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” (Proverbs 16:4)
Sometimes you just have to choose your battles wisely. No one changes the world by turning their attention to every “big” problem they encounter. Do not be distracted by focusing on bad experiences and missing out on peace, joy and love. Do not get your feelings hurt so easily. One who is easily offended stirs up much trouble for their life. Be bigger than that and forgive those who hurt you. God has a greater good in His plans for you. “Doing what is right and fair pleases the Lord…” (Proverbs 21:3)
If you see life as a battle, then a battle is what you will get, the struggle ends when you let go to seek peace instead. Sometimes you have to give up the fight and walk away, and move on to something that is more productive. Reach your full potential and maximise your life, by chasing after *The Giver of every good and perfect gift. (James 1:17)
We are so sensitive about meaningless things that do not even concern us. Seek the peace of God that surpasses all human understanding and pursue it. People that do not value peace will always seek to disrupt yours. Do not let your peace, joy and hope walk away simply because they did. Know when to shut up and stop trying to prove a point even if you are right.
People who need to prove their point usually do not have one. They are always out to prove something to other people. You do not have to worry about impressing others. Prove things only to yourself. At times when all seems wrong, and makes no sense, feelings will tell you to prove your point but, faith will tell you to protect your peace. In chaos, stay focused- remember the big picture. God loves you. You do not have to react or respond to everything. Practice the art of observation.
Just watch and pray. You will learn so much. Self-control is a strength and an action that must be practiced daily.
If you keep finding yourself in the same battle, it is time to do something different. Taste your words before you spit them out. What you say to others in anger or sarcastically, may bite you back later. No one has ever made himself great by showing how small someone else is. Remember, words only hurt when you allow yourself to believe them. “The more words you speak, then less they mean. So what good are they?” (Ecclesiastes 6:11)
There are some things you would not understand until later but, you have to live now to get to later. Even though life may seem like it is in perpetual winter, yet season pass and rejuvenation takes growth in the sorrows of yesterday. You cannot live out your life in the sand, just because you started in the sand. Your struggle is not your identity, how you deal with it is. Do not look at things the way they are, believe God for how they could be. You may not understand today or tomorrow, but eventually God will reveal why you went through everything you did. Delay does not necessarily mean denial.
Though we identify the immediate cause of our delays, like a traffic light or the long checkout line but, the Lord is in control. Keep your hopes high, but do not let them become a substitute for your efforts. Most of us have far more courage than we ever dreamed we possessed. Character is always revealed when we are under pressure. “Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.” (Romans 12:12)
Sometimes you may face difficulties in life, not because you are doing something wrong but, because you are doing something right. Job was not tested because he did anything wrong. He was tested because he lived a life of righteousness before God. Although this may be a hard pill