Courage To Endure
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one (Ephesians 6:11-16).
Brethren, at the beginning of our ministry, the Lord sends us on a mission to recruit believing Christians to pray, witness, and fellowship with us. When some of the brethren realize that the Lord was indeed speaking to us, they joined our home fellowship in their numbers. Sadly, but true, most thought that the Lord would just bless them and answer their prayers without laboring for it in prayer and commitment. Sadly, most of the once powerful witnesses and prayer partners we had could not keep their faith and endure the race but rejoined the world (
Often, we would be required to inquire from the Lord for them regarding their needs, and their struggles. Knowing their hearts, the Lord would issue an encouraging rebuke for getting one's life on track with Christ is more important than our struggles or needs (Matthew 6:33). Realistically, it is not an easy journey to follow Christ (1 Corinthians 15:58), we would have to endure ridicule, hardships, and various attacks whether it being at school, work or any other place of activity. The devil, being cunning in his ways, will ensure that you receive your dose of temptation, insults from others, and even false accusations (1 Peter 5:8-9). Therefore, if you are weak and you don't show commitment you will join those who ridiculed and mock you, as that is the devil's aim to break your resistance, discourage you, and cause you to abandon your faith.
Conquering Ridicule
A few years ago, after I accepted the Lord as my Saviour, the joy and excitement of my new faith led me to share my experience with my colleagues. As it was, little did I know that I would become their laughing stock? On many occasions when I enter my workstation I would be greeted with mocking laughter. In return, I would greet them confidently and cheerfully to avoid being oppressed by discouragement.
Furthermore, by displaying such boldness, I noticed how shamefully they appear for their actions and by the grace of the Lord, many sought my company and confided in me. Brethren, it is not a weakness to serve Christ our Lord, nor should we allow being ashamed of what we believe. Our way of life is being envied by the fearful, the double-minded, the confused, and the unbelievers. Thus, those who are not Christians are won over by our boldness and our active works of faith and that is a true and fearless commitment. As a truly born-again Christian, we stand and live by what we believe and the Lord will always stand by us in all our struggles (Acts 18:9; 27:24). in conclusion, there is therefore no substitute than the putting on of God's full armor with persistent prayers for our daily struggles and service, this is how our faith conquers.
Blessed Love
Brother Glenn
