The Call To Overcome: Personal Battles, God's Help
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my Righteous Right Hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
As a Man, Jesus walked the extra mile– all the way to the hill called Calgary. Christ is an exceeding abundant Lord in countless ways, including our battles!
'God is our Refuge and Strength, a very present Help in trouble' (Psalm 46:1, NKJV), our Impenetrable Line of defense. He is our Overcomer.*
But regarding His power on Earth (power to do wonders and win battles)…
He said, 'I can of Myself do nothing' (John 5:30).
A personal note:
Having now lived close to 7 decades: years of battles, milestones, losses, and wins (personally and professionally) …I find myself in TOTAL agreement: I can of myself do nothing (good), too!
One thing is certain: Every person encounters temptations. If we stare at them and give in to them, they become our familiar stumbling blocks: our enemies masquerading as friends!
For me, a GIANT temptation was food. It became my best friend and my refuge. It grew into a mountain I carried, and we traveled everywhere together…
But the going was slow, so I stayed home, whenever I could. At 36, I weighed ten times my age: 360 hard-to-bear pounds.*
Although I didn't know Jesus back then, God had plans for me, and He spoke to me. He accomplished in me a miracle. The loss of 220 pounds… that in dozens of years have NOT returned.
Therefore, I’m convinced He’ll help ANYONE overcome obstacles… if they ask Him. (I did, but that’s a different story:)
However, where temptations are concerned, will our Father do ALL the work for us? A famous Spanish philosopher said:
'Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime' (Maimonides).
Jesus calls us to be fishers of men. In this great role, our work in and through God… is the most unique collaboration in the universe! I believe when we’re under His direction, we’re supercharged! Our work becomes His work. Thus, when we do our best, God does the rest.
In THAT role, Jesus is the 'Finisher' (Hebrews 12:2, NKJV)!
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Paul said, 'I will not be mastered by anything... I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified' (1 Corinthians 6:12; 9:27).
Our world offers an unprecedented diversity of tempting stumbling blocks. If you’ve fallen, I understand. Me, too. If you THINK you haven’t, look more closely:)
Don't let food, wealth, smokes, drugs, drinks, lust, looks, likes, electronics, or social media… become your master. Not even respectable things, like work, exercise, awards, or accomplishments.
Because 'You are slaves of the one whom you obey' (Romans 6:16). 'For One is your Master, even Christ' (Matthew 23:8).
Since He holds the Power to overcome, ask God’s help. I believe He WILL give it!
The Call To Overcome: Personal Battles, God's Help (Part 10)
* Scriptures about God's help:
http://www.godswill-wellness.com/god-help-me.html
http://www.openbible.info/topics/gods_help
http://counseling4christians.com/Scriptures/Help%20Scriptures.html
The Call To Overcome: Personal Battles, God’s Help (Part 10)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.