BY FAITH

BY FAITH

Our nations stance has wrapped itself around conflict and despair. There are those within our borders who are choosing to ignore it. There are those within our borders who complain about it. There are those within our borders whose focus is to lay blame for it. There are those within our borders whose walk is weary – all contributing to the escalation of discouragement that is sweeping the land. Discouragement is a powerful weapon of Satan's.

How can we resolve this turmoil? What stance should we have? Let's be direct! We need to become unified around the same goal. We can find resolution - by giving it all to Him. We must recognize the need for God's offer of reconciliation through Christ Jesus. When we let worry, strife, and discouragement embrace our life, it literally chokes the Word, making it unfruitful (Mark 4:19). If we would be more concerned about using faith to serve our Lord than serving ourselves, then He would see to it that our needs are met (Matthew 6:33; Luke 17:8). I know we're capable of such a faith, but we've really got to get out of this self-serving attitude (James 4:3) and use our faith to serve others (Matthew 25:40) and Him. Look at us! As a country, collectively, we have lost focus. We are not following through on anything, not really.

If you don't know him, let me introduce you to Nehemiah. Nehemiah - a man who walked by faith, a man of devout prayer, and perseverance. His quest was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem against all the odds. Discouragement did not hamper Nehemiah's efforts – his stance was firm, and he overcame. As a great leader would; he unified the people around the same goal, and he directed their attention to the Lord. Nehemiah was victorious in his quest! He did so, with the help of our God (Nehemiah 6:15-16). Let's face it - Faith is what shapes character. Faith is facing the future with the confidence that God is at our side. Faith is following through…

Tonda L. Tavernier