CURRENT RADIO SERIES Eternity Now   CURRENT TV SERIES Songs of Courage

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. --Romans 8:20-21 What has happened to this world? God created a perfect paradise and man was placed to rule over it all. Now the earth is cursed with plagues, pollution, greed, destruction, and more. Again, what happened? Sin. The world was cursed and plunged into corruption by sin and rebellion. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God in rebellion, they placed all of creation into “the bondage of corruption.” And now man lives in fear, failure, and frustration. But did you know that pain can actually be a good thing? How can pain and suffering be good? It’s a warning signal to tell us that something is wrong. How do you know to pull your hand out of the fire unless you feel the searing pain of the heat? All the groaning, crying, and moaning of this age is God’s effort to get our attention. Yes, He cares about you and me. And, yes, He is all-powerful. God has a plan beyond our human understanding. And as Paul wrote, He is preparing His family for a future glory that cannot even be compared to the sufferings and hurt of today. How do you overcome despite the suffering? Look with expectation for what God has prepared for those who belong to Jesus Christ. How do you know to pull your hand out of the fire unless you feel the searing pain of the heat?

Thursday, January 17, 2019

Building Strength before Battle

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end. If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?”

Jeremiah 12:4–5

The people of Israel in Jeremiah’s day were confident that they could make their way without God’s help. But they found themselves defeated again and again. And Jeremiah warned them that what was coming next would be an even greater challenge as he asked pointed questions: If you can’t outrun the people who work with the horses, how will you outrun the horses? If you grow weary during relatively peaceful times, how will you handle it when a flood comes?

The point of these questions was to point people to God as their source of strength. But where many people fail is that they do not build up strength ahead of time. R. A. Torrey said, “The reason why many fail in battle is because they wait until the hour of battle. The reason why others succeed is because they have gained their victory on their knees long before the battle came... Anticipate your battles; fight them on your knees before temptation comes, and you will always have victory.”

Just as physical exercise strengthens our muscles, spiritual exercise strengthens our faith and our obedience. “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). Spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible reading, church attendance, and witnessing strengthen our spiritual muscles so we can accomplish God’s plan and purpose in our lives.

Today’s Growth Principle: 

Do not wait until the day your faith is severely tested to begin building it—do it today.