HOW TO JUMP-START FAITH AND BE AN OVERCOMER (Part II)

HOW TO JUMP-START FAITH AND BE AN OVERCOMER (Part II)

VICTORY in overcoming our natural human tendency to embrace DOUBT is energized by our FAITH. (I John 5:4) We acquire the necessary spiritual authority to OVERCOME the evil influences of this world system as we engage a full surrender to Christ, which involves submitting to His Lordship and honoring His Word with wholehearted obedience. (Galatians 2:20)

OUR FAITH is VOICE-ACTIVATED!  According to Romans 10:17, “FAITH comes by HEARING, and hearing by the WORD OF GOD.”  FAITH COMES…by HEARING…THE WORD OF GOD!  So whenever THE WORD OF GOD is proclaimed, we must be present and participative. (Hebrews 10:25)

Let’s highlight SEVEN POWER PRINCIPLES that will inform us (on a practical level) HOW TO JUMP-START FAITH AND OVERCOME the detrimental impact of the world system. 

POWER PRINCIPLE #1:  MAINTAIN PROPER PERSPECTIVE ON TRIALS AND TESTS.

Things are seldom as bad as they seem.  Consider the US government’s Emergency Broadcast System. Television networks are required to participate in order to broadcast vital information during national emergencies.  At least once monthly, networks are required to conduct a test of the Emergency Broadcast System.  When this is done, we first hear a loud signal tone on our TV sets, followed by these words: “This is a test of the Emergency Broadcast System.  This is ONLY a TEST!” 

Never forget: The pressure, pain, or problem that you occasionally experience is only a TEST.  However, our continued faith in His Word confirms and certifies our Christian discipleship.  Jesus said, “If you abide [continue] in My word, you are My disciples indeed.” (John 8:31) Now, it’s fairly easy to SAY “I am a Christian.”  In fact, a huge percentage of the American population (83%) self-identify as proponents of Christianity.  Nevertheless, the views and values that are prevalent in our society offer a stark rebuttal to this faith claim.

The ‘proof’ of our faith is in the ‘pudding,’ so to speak.  Ask yourself: “How am I handling the challenges and oppositions that are part and parcel of my position in the Kingdom?”  The Apostle James suggests that you “count it all JOY when you fall into various TRIALS, knowing that the TESTING of your FAITH produces patience.” (James 1:2-4)

Jesus Christ is absolutely clear about the BLESSING that accompanies your TESTING.  “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” (Matthew 5:11-12)

While it seems illogical and counter-intuitive, the times that we are “tested by fire” are pathways to higher dimensions of our faith and portals to the “praise, honor and glory” of our God. (I Peter 1:7) So one must maintain a Word-based attitude during trials, which will invariably result in the elevation of one’s life-altitude.  Ask yourself: “How do I respond to my tests?  Do my reactions reflect faith, or unbelief?”

POWER PRINCIPLE #2:  UNDERSTAND THAT LUCIFER IS A LIAR.

Satan is the MASTER OF DECEPTION.  As such, he is the ultimate PLAYER OF HEAD-GAMES.  So don’t be deceived.  Jesus Christ, the personification of “TRUTH,” reveals to us that “there is no truth in him [Satan].”  Indeed, “he [Satan] is a LIAR and the FATHER of it [LIES].” (John 14:6 – John 8:44) So why would you ever expend time and energy listening to (and dialoging with) someone like him? 

Jesus identified him as “THE THIEF” whose prime objective is “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” (John 10:10) Always remember this: Satan hates God.  Therefore, Satan despises you.  Since there is zero possibility that Satan will be able to dethrone or defeat ALMIGHTY GOD, his strategy is to go after what God loves – and that’s YOU.  So the Apostle Peter admonishes you to “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring LION, seeking whom he may to devour.” (I Peter 5:8) Peter employs an intriguing metaphor here.

I find it entirely fascinating that Satan first shows up in the biblical record as a “subtle SERPENT.” (Genesis 3:1-6) Centuries later, Peter likens Satan to a “roaring LION.” (I Peter 5:8) However, in the end-times, the book of Revelation illustrates Satan as “the great fiery red DRAGON.” (Revelation 12:3) Over time, Satan seems to have ‘grown’ immensely – both in ferocity and in size.  I asked myself, “Why?”  The answer was revealed in prayer.  Satan’s overarching authority in the earth realm and his increasing power to launch attacks against us is derived directly from the fact that we tend to walk more by FEAR than by FAITH! (II Corinthians 5:7 – Romans 1:17)

Satan’s influences grow exponentially in the presence of FEAR, which is the polar opposite of faith.  How so?  Because fear always reflects “the spirit of bondage,” not the “spirit of liberty.” (Romans 8:15 – II Corinthians 3:17) That’s why our “GOD has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”   (II Timothy 1:7) My friend, be watchful and be prayerful. (Matthew 26::41)

One final thought: When you are in the midst of tests and trials, never assign blame and never become ‘out of sorts’ with others.  Do you know the real identity of your enemy?  It’s not your spouse, or your siblings, or your co-workers, or your neighbors.  It is Satan, himself. (Ephesians 6:12)

Stay tuned…more power principles to come on tomorrow!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!