05/05/2021 - ALWAYS THE SAME ENEMIES

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Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. Acts 14:19

Those who become our enemies, even if we see them as mere adversaries, have been sent by the devil to disturb and make us suffer. Many will accept Christ when they understand how much loss they’ve caused. The most important thing is to not fall back under any circumstance. Those who serve the Almighty can’t choose where and how they will serve, or they won’t be considered servants anymore. Stay where the Lord placed you and be a faithful servant!

The episode in Lystra, so the priest of Jupiter would not make sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas, was just the first of several others. The apostles had to go through that, demonstrating love and surrender to the Lord. In the same way, we must face trials and overcome; otherwise, we will lose the Most High’s greater plan. Fight your battles with dedication, without looking at the stones people will throw at you. God will be with you always.

As long as we’re here, we will have afflictions, just as the Master declared (John 16:33). The evil one will raise people to attack us. In some cases, the fight will be so great that some will say: “It’s better to give up!” But true soldiers of the cross never lose courage and give up, because they know the Lord is capable of doing beyond what they imagine. God planned moments of glory on behalf of the Gospel. Let Him be the Judge!

The Lord sees everything, and in the right moment, will come into action and rescue us; however, in some cases, there is a price we must pay. This shouldn’t discourage you; after all, where would you go if only Christ has the words of eternal life (John 6:66-68)? Here’s an advice from a friend: seek to eradicate fear from your heart by trusting the declarations in the Scriptures. That will greatly help you. There’s nothing to fear when you’re under the divine plan!

Never be influenced by discouragement or by any other “strategy” of the devil. Without a doubt, he will try everything he can to take you away from the presence of God. The servants of the Lord are always overcomers. Therefore, never complain; no matter if it’s because people don’t give you attention or if you’re being persecuted. Firmly trust in the eternal Word and face the threats of the one who’s already lost the war, the devil. Hallelujah!

Paul was stoned so severely that he was considered dead; however, with the help of the disciples, he got up and entered Lystra. The next day, he went to Derbe, where he’d face more trials. Every victory after a battle has a reward that only those who face the burning furnace, heated seven times more than normal, will know. Meditate on the biblical examples so you will understand them. That way, you won’t get desperate. God is faithful!

In the Old Testament, before going into war, Gideon went to his soldiers and told all who were scared to head back home (Judges 7:3). Nowadays, we should examine ourselves and proceed in the same way, because the battles of the Lord are for the fearless.

In Christ, with love,

Dr. Soares