Many members of my squad have been under spiritual attack lately, and I wanted to encourage them. But then I thought, maybe it isn’t just us, what if someone out on the field is experiencing trials too? Or someone thinking of going on the race? So I started writing out some encouragement, and it grew, so I decided to just make it into a blog…
First of all, God is in control. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” Do you love God? Then it is going to be okay. No matter what happens.
Secondly, in the Old Testament, every time things got tough for the Israelites, they were told to look back, to remember what God has done. I want you guys to look back, think back to when you signed up for the race. How sure were you that this was what God was calling you to do? Did you have peace about it? Do you think God changed his mind? Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”
Think back, in the Bible, every great hero had a time of testing before God released blessings and gave them their ministry. Before David was king, he faced Goliath. Think of all that Job had to go through, but also remember how much God blessed him after? Even Jesus was tempted in the desert before he began his ministry. Perhaps this is your testing before the blessings on your ministry.
Maybe someone you love is against you going on this race. They aren’t giving you the support you so desperately long for. Maybe they are openly standing against you. Maybe you feel like you are in this alone. Remember what God told Joshua? “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
The devil must know what happens on this race. We may think we know what will happen, but we will come back different people. We are about to be changed. There is so much we are going to learn. I am so excited! And knowing that, the devil wants to distract and discourage us. He doesn’t want you to go and be discipled. Don’t give up!
If you are worried about provision, don’t be. Where in the Bible do you find someone God abandoned? That doesn’t bring him glory. Yes, those called by God experience hardship, but God always gets them where they need to be. It may be uncomfortable, but remember how God provided for Elijah? He sent ravens to bring him food. Ravens. Scavenger birds. Sometimes it won’t feel good, but God never promised it would be easy.
One last verse I want to pray over you: Hebrews 13:21, “May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen!”
