Everywhere we look today there are people, “Christian people,” struggling with the problems of living life. Maybe you’re one of those people whose life is greatly impacted by someone who is or has been caught in the strangling grip of some life-dominating behavior.
So, the question is, “What does responding biblically mean?” How are we, as Christians, to think about these things? With all my heart, I believe that God’s Word alone is sufficient to meet any and every challenge we face. His Word – spoken or written – has the power to change lives today!
My hope today is to encourage you with the fact that there is a “how.” God has a way for all of us to do this!
Of all the things, the tools we have been given, I believe there are three which are of utmost importance: faith, God’s Word, and prayer.
Without faith we know it is impossible to please God and therefore impossible to do anything He may call us to do in dealing with our sin, or anyone else’s. Faith will lead us to prayer. In prayer we will dialog with God. We will talk to Him. And then we’ll listen for Him to talk to us. When He speaks, we then have His Word as the measuring tool for all that we think we hear.
The Holy Spirit will provide every ounce of strength, power, wisdom, knowledge, understanding and creativity necessary for us to know how to respond biblically in all of life’s situations and conflicts.
In 2 Corinthians 1, the Apostle Paul pens the following words to encourage the church at Corinth and to encourage us today. I share them so you may know that every Victory Call we write to you we write in faith. Each one of us goes through our own battles and it is through Christ in us that we are all enabled to demonstrate grace above and beyond our own doing.
Dear sisters, as much as we’d like to think that Christmas is a happy time for all, a time where there is no conflict or strife, the simple truth is that for many of us this time of year is sad, depressing and filled with pain.
So, let’s purpose to do two things this season:
1. Remember to keep the main thing the main thing and choose to respond to all situations in a manner pleasing to the Lord, no matter how tempted you may be to do otherwise.
2. Be aware of the people around you who may be suffering, alone and silent. Reach out to them and give them Jesus, the Christ in Christmas.
Written by Stephanie Paul: Stephanie served on staff at America’s Keswick as Women of Character Director. She is married to Sesky; together they have 2 adult children.
Think About This: “Don’t let your lack of confidence become the death of your calling.” – Steven Furtick
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. -2 Peter 1:5-8(NIV)
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.
