Over the past few months we've been surrounded by news of conflict and uncertainty, and many people have lost sight of God's promises and plans for their lives. Fear has gripped the hearts of many, but in the midst of chaos and fear, it's important to remember who we are in Christ, because the Lord has a particular assignment for us. He’s calling many of us to rise up with relentless faith to uplift and encourage other people who are struggling.
Despite the enemy's attempts to sow discouragement and confusion, we have been specifically chosen to resuscitate the faint-hearted. He’s calling us to be beacons of hope and strength in these trying times. To help others to rise above anxiety and stand firm in their faith. He is strengthening believers to have unrelenting tenacity and perseverance. We are overcomers who have survived through intense battles and are ready to rescue others in need.
We will not fear or dread what is to come, for our hearts are firm and we are secure in our faith. We are those who have experienced challenging trials but we are coming back stronger to strengthen and ignite other believers. We are those who have been in the fiery furnace but came out unharmed. We are those who were thrown in the lion’s den but walked out victorious.
In the book of Acts the Lord performed extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul. The lame were healed and the dead were raised. In Acts ch.14, Paul was stoned and left for dead. When the believers encircled his body, he miraculously stood up. He didn’t stop preaching, but he immediately went back into the city and continued winning multitudes to follow Jesus, and also strengthened other believers.
Paul taught the people how to be strong and persevere through difficult trials. You may be saying that satan has desired to sift you as wheat, but Jesus wants to restore you so that you will come back and strengthen your brethren. Those of you who have been delivered from the strongholds of the enemy will be used to mentor the next generation and set them free.
Those of you who have faced unrelenting battles are going to encourage those who are trapped and can't find a way out. He will use you to deliver those who are ensnared in dysfunctional patterns, and release those who are held in bondage. Jesus is raising up light bearers in this dark season. They are those who carry the torch and kindle the flame of those who have become fatigued. They will release the glory of the Lord to dispel the darkness in the lives of others.
They will rekindle the flame of passion for Jesus in people's hearts, inspiring many to rediscover their love for Him. Through their teachings, they will empower others to shift their focus from earthly struggles to the unfailing promises of God. They will lift the spiritual stagnation that has settled on many and bring revival and renewal to those who have lost their way. Now is the time to rise up with relentless faith says the Lord
Psalm 112:7-8 TPT
They will not live in fear or dread of what may come, for their hearts are firm, ever secure in their faith. Steady and strong, they will not be afraid, but will calmly face their every foe until they all go down in defeat.
Acts 14:19-20
Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. 20 However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe
Acts 14:19-22 (TPT)
Some of the Jews who had opposed Paul and Barnabas in Antioch and Iconium arrived and stirred up the crowd against them. They stoned Paul and dragged his body outside the city and left him for dead. When the believers encircled Paul’s body, he miraculously stood up! Paul stood and immediately went back into the city. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. After preaching the wonderful news of the gospel there and winning a large number of followers to Jesus, they retraced their steps and revisited Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. At each place they went, they strengthened the lives of the believers and encouraged them to go deeper in their faith. And they taught them, “It is necessary for us to enter into the realm of God’s kingdom, because that’s the only way we will endure our many trials and persecutions.”
Elaine Tavolacci