Summer is over, school has begun with Holiday activities ahead, and life may feel overwhelming today. Maybe you’re tired of waiting for answers to your prayers? Perhaps you hurt because you can’t share these concerns with other people? Read WHO encouraged Peter, and rest assured that JESUS IS PRAYING FOR YOU!
And the Lord said…“Satan hath desired to have thee, that he may sift thee as wheat; but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” Luke 22:31-32.
When writing to Timothy, the great Apostle Paul rejoiced in three things. Some are described in the lovely Devotional STREAMS IN THE DESERT by Mrs. Cowman, a missionary and friend of my Evangelist Grandmother.
Paul stated “I have fought a good fight!” He learned how to use God’s weapons: the Word, the Name and the Blood of Jesus for daily battles. He then proclaimed, “I have finished my course!” He felt successful in completing God’s Assignments. But we really hear his shout of victory as he writes, “I have kept the faith!”
Paul suffered extremely difficult experiences, but it didn’t touch his faith. The only thing important to him was that he had won the race and gained the prize! Yes, read on, and you will sense the joy Paul shares of God’s Rewards awaiting him!
“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” 2 Timothy 3:7, 8.
In early years of ministry, the Lord said, “You will walk-through what you teach.” I’m still walking, so here’s a few thoughts how we might learn to “keep the faith”.
ASK God for His plan. FOCUS, OBEY and FOLLOW it. Since we only live ONE day at a time, we must KEEP our faith through ONE Battle or Assignment at a time. We will shout with joy…if we remember the profound statement Jesus made to Peter:
“BUT I HAVE PRAYED FOR THEE THAT THY FAITH FAIL NOT!”