'Why, God?' is a question that seems to echo worldwide, day and night, weekly, monthly, yearly, and during various seasons of life. Those two words cry from the lips of those facing impossibilities, such as terminal illnesses, financial crises, broken relationships, horrible encounters like abuse and discrimination, and frightening circumstances like war and natural disasters. These are all monstrous atrocities, a testament to the shared human experience. So, how do we counteract and victoriously overcome these monstrous atrocities?
These are not just three things we need in this season of life; they are three things we need urgently and can not afford to disregard.
These powerful keys help us build the courage needed to face the so-called "giants of life" and eliminate them before they destroy us. But before moving forward, we need to ask ourselves, "Am I part of the problem or part of the solution?" You see, God created us to be solutionists, those who actively seek and implement solutions to the challenges we face. Yes, He has given us everything we need through co-laboring with Jesus Christ to produce results that glorify Him in our families, friendships, careers, communities, churches, and countries. We can no longer talk an impressive talk; we must demonstrate in action because we have been anointed, appointed, and established to do so. And if we are going to be a problem, be one for the principalities, powers, rulers of darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12).
Let's delve deeper into these three keys, which will not only help us but also reassure us that we can get through any situation.
3 Things You Can't Afford to Ignore #1 - Prayer
Though there are different forms of prayer, intercession will be our focus for the context of this topic. According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, "interject" means to throw in between or among other things. The term "intercession" means to mediate or to intervene. When thinking of intercessory prayer, imagine the combination of those two terms: "throwing oneself in between a person and their opposition to bring the Mediator, God, into their problem to provide a solution." This is why intercession is termed 'standing in the gap.' This occurs when intervening on behalf of another person through prayer and through this act of will, an expression of love and compassion reflecting the heart of God.
1 Timothy 2:1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
James 5:16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
Romans 8:26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
3 Things You Can't Afford to Ignore #2 - Position
Our posture in our belief system determines whether we are in the proper position to counteract the menacing arrows of distraction, discouragement, division, and domination. What is your position? Faith or Unbelief. In Hebrews 11, we are warned that it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.
To distinguish the arrows of distraction, discouragement, division, and domination, we need to counteract them with habits that reflect God's nature. One of the most extraordinary habits we can embrace is L-O-V-E. The kind of righteous love that severs the strongholds of sin and hate. We have to be intentional about abiding in God.
As we witness the social media wars, or maybe even wars in our relationships or places of work, we can see that the goal should not be to push the world's agenda but to spread the message of the Kingdom of God, which is Jesus. Because His mercy triumphs over judgment in our lives and that of others. Do not let adversaries, trials, or tribulations lead you to destruction. Leader, stay in position by remaining steadfast in your faith and love for God, yourself, and His people.
"Before moving forward, we need to ask ourselves, "Am I part of the problem or part of the solution?" – Equalla Foster
3 Things You Can't Afford to Ignore #3 - Perseverance
To persevere, you and I must be willing to walk, run, and stand—walk in purity, run with endurance, and stand in holiness. Now, I understand that purity, endurance, and holiness may make some folks uneasy, but the truth is that these are things that we signed up for when we decided to take up our cross and follow Jesus. It is impossible to persevere in a way that glorifies God without them.
Walk in Purity
When we walk in purity, we are being imitators of Christ. Ephesians 5:1-2 "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma."
To walk in purity is to carry ourselves in such a manner that our thoughts, words, and actions are pleasing to God. And when we mess up and fall short, which will happen, we do what is necessary to get back in right standing with God. No matter the shortcoming.
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Run with Endurance
Running with endurance is the stamina or momentum we need in our faith journey. It is not how you start that matters the most; it is how you finish. Endurance is required to prevent giving up. We do not run carelessly but with intentionality because there is a goal to obtain.
Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Philippians 3:14 I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.
Stand in Holiness
So, what does it mean to "stand in holiness? " A quote credited to Alexander Hamilton states, "Those who stand for nothing, fall for anything." What or who are we devoted to? People, places, or things? Or have we unquestionably devoted ourselves and the lives we live to God? When we seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first, all the things we need will be provided because we trust Him [Matthew 6:33].
As we stand in holiness, we offer our worship to our God. We make a conscious and bold effort not to allow anything to come between us and God. When He said to "be holy, for I am holy," in 1 Peter 1, that was not a subtle suggestion but a command for our everyday living. And we should desire to obey such a command. As people who proclaim the name of Jesus, we should be able to have visible results (fruit) from our relationship with God. If not, and there is no line of demarcation between us and the world, what is the use of the message we preach but not walk out ourselves?
No matter how complex or seemingly effortless this season of life is for you, dedicate yourself to prayer, position yourself to counteract diabolical nuances or motives, and persevere because you will need it for your personal journey and as you lead others through the dark. After all, these are three things that you can't afford to ignore.
Which of the three key takeaways from today will you implement first, and how do you see them transforming your approach this season? Are there some inspiring suggestions you would like to share? Leave a comment below. It could help a fellow leader.
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