You Cannot Give Up!
There are seasons of war for the believer. In 2 Samuel 11:1, we see that the time for kings to go to war was the spring. When hot weather arrives, temptations and spiritual warfare increase in pressure. It is most important during these times to make sure your shield of faith is oiled and in good repair.
Some of you might feel that you have been bombarded in all areas of life–financial, relationally, physically, emotionally, and mentally. It is during these times that weariness and discouragement can try to settle in your heart. Thoughts will war inside you encouraging you to give up since nothing ever changes anyway. DON’T GIVE UP!
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:9)
I want to encourage you to watch the Livestream video I did called, “Prayers Have Due Dates.” It is often during the most intense times that your ANSWER IS ACTUALLY HERE! If you could see in the spirit realm, you would see demonic forces amping up their attacks to get you to quit BEFORE YOU SEE THE MANIFESTATION.
In 2 Timothy 3:1, Paul warned us that “perilous times” will come. The word perilous has the idea of a “mentally wearing down” the saints of God. In Daniel 7:25, the antichrist is described as “persecuting” the saints, which means “to wear out.”
Jesus knows what this battle is all about. In the Garden, He fought so hard against this mental attack that He sweat drops of blood. He went through that FOR US so that when we are hit, we can draw strength from His power and victory. Listen to Paul’s exhortation in Hebrews 12:1-4.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.
Endurance literally means “the ability to remain under difficult circumstances.” During difficult times, we must have endurance. One way to breathe new life in our souls is to look at Jesus who endured for the joy set before Him. We need to consider all He went through and realize that we have not resisted to bloodshed. This will prevent WEARINESS and DISCOURAGEMENT in our SOULS–MIND, WILL AND EMOTIONS. I.e. we need to toughen up mentally and rely on the power of Holy Spirit on the inside of us, the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead!
For to you it has been GRANTED ON BEHALF OF CHRIST, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake. (Galatians 1:29)
The word “granted” means to do you a favor! Paul explains in Romans 8:17 says that if we suffer with Him, we will be glorified with Him. Resisting sin and suffering persecution are both the pathway to future glory. But you MUST FINISH YOUR RACE. You are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, full of the Spirit of God, and have an innumerable company of angels to assist you!