If we are not walking in the peace of God, then we are consumed in the chaos of Satan. God gave Moses a command for His people, telling them to choose life or death, good or evil, blessings or curses. That choice remains for all those who believe on Jesus for their salvation. Therefore, every day, we have choices to make regarding circumstances that arise.
Choosing life means choosing God's promises. His word reveals His character, promises, and consequences of not keeping His commands. We are also assured that Jesus came to this earth, died, and was resurrected for a purpose.
Jesus said, Â "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have [it] more abundantly. - Jhn 10:10
When we choose life, even when things are difficult, there is an abundance of promises awaiting us. Sometimes, the season of trials is a test. This was the case when Jesus told Peter that Satan had asked for him so he could sift him. Jesus told Peter that He would pray his faith did not fail. Then Jesus told Peter that after he was fully converted, he was to go and strengthen his brethren. Do you see the promise after Peter comes through the test?
Life is like this for us. Whenever we are going through dark seasons we should be putting God and His will for our situation first. Ask God what He wishes to bring out of the trial you are in. Then trust Him to see you through.
The Apostle Paul said 21 For to me, to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain. 22 But if [I] live on in the flesh, this [will mean] fruit from [my] labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, [which is] far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh [is] more needful for you. - Phl 1:21-24 NKJV
Paul wrote these words while in prison. Even though he was in chains, he believed that all things would work together for those who love God. He said that his chains helped to further the gospel and caused the brethren to be even more bold in going forth with the gospel.
Our testimonies stir up faith in those going through trials. Your victory is a promised hope for someone else. God turned your life around for the good, and He will do the same every time a situation arises.
If we allow it, the testimony of our pain, shame, bondage – our B.C. story -will embolden others in their faith. They will look at you and say if God can do this in you, then He can do it in me.
On another occasion, Paul wrote,Â
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.  8 [We are] hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; [we are] perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed-- 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death is working in us, but life in you.  – 2 Co 4:7-11
Paul was willing to join Christ in His sufferings to fulfill the kingdom mandate on his life. He was afflicted, troubled, filled with anxiety (perplexed), even to the point of doubt. He was treated with hostility, hit with such an impact as to be knocked down. But Paul was not in despair; he was not forsaken, and he gave no power for his flesh to prevail as he encountered numerous persecutions.
Sometimes, our troubles are so great we want to run away or even die.
Look at the words of the mighty man David.
1 To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Contemplation of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my supplication. 2 Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily, 3 Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me, And in wrath they hate me. 4 My heart is severely pained within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me. 5 Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me. 6 So I said, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. 7 Indeed, I would wander far off, [And] remain in the wilderness. Selah 8 I would hasten my escape From the windy storm [and] tempest."Â - Psa 55:1-8Â
David was in such distress over his friend betraying him and other enemies chasing him that he wished for wings like a dove and could fly away to the wilderness. He said he would quickly escape from the storm and the tempest. The concordance defines tempest as the passionate acts of men.
Have you ever been so afraid, rejected, disappointed, shamed, or betrayed that you would hide yourself in isolation?
The choice to live or die, be blessed or cursed, do good or evil presents itself often. Â
Another powerful man of God was Elijah, the prophet. He had a spiritual showdown with the spirits of Baal, and he won. Afterwards the prophets of Baal were killed, and the people rose up, but so did a woman named Jezebel. She threatened Elijah, and he ran in fear and depression. He wanted to die. He hid himself; the threats of the enemy got in his head.
Lastly, another mighty man, Moses witnessed many miracles and worked with God in ways nobody ever did, even seeing Him face to face. Yet Moses was willing to be written out of God's plans for his destiny if God would not forgive the people after they made an idol of gold in the image of a calf. This same man was terrified when God called him to go to the Pharaoh to set His people free. Moses walked with God for so long that he was willing to boldly tell him that would not go if God would not release the people again from their sins. Moses was an intercessor.
The Israelites learned about Baal worship from the Egyptians, and they turned to make an image of God when they were afraid their leader was not returning.
When people fail us or don't meet our expectations, we must keep going. God will come through for you even if it is not in your timing. Don't give up. Stay the course and hold the line because help is on the way! Click here to watch the sermon
Let's pray,
Heavenly Father, help! In the name of Jesus, I choose life, but I need help from You to remain steadfast and anchored. Show me how to weather this storm and strengthen my faith with Your Spirit so that I can strengthen others when I make it through. In Jesus name, Amen