Are You Strong?

"And many will turn away from Me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." Matthew 24:10-13

I can still hear her voice asking, "But are you strong? Are you strong?" 

Years ago, my dear friend Sharon Glasgow came to speak at our church for a women's event. In one of her messages she was sharing how a casual belief in God won't be enough as the persecutions upon Christ-followers increase, signifying His return is near. In raising her young family she and her husband Dale would often present this question to their girls. It will take more than human strength to remain steadfast to the end.

The power to hold on and the resolve to remain as Christ followers won't happen automatically. The repetition of the word "many" in the verses above in contrast to "the one", brings tears to my eyes. This is referencing dear folk who know and love the Lord, walked with Him, gave their lives to serve Him, yet their dedication to Christ deconstructed when disasters and deception tested their faith. Oh Lord, that I, my family and loved ones, wouldn't be included in that "many".

Before you think that could never happen to you, declaring, I love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Can I ask you a question? When was the last time you knew exactly what God was asking you to do, yet in fear you lacked the courage to obey His call? If we display insufficient strength to take a stand without the pressures of direct interaction with false prophets deceiving us and sinful activity surrounding us, how will we continue when in the presence of such opposition? Decisions today build the foundation for then. It's not that we don't have the ability to stand, it's because of our amnesia. Fear has the power to increase God-forgetfulness, thinking we have to do it on our own instead of tapping into the power He provides.

Before we despair, there is hope! My mind goes to 1 John 4:4: "But you belong to God my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world." As children of God, the ability to withstand is within us. Praise the Lord! 

Be aware. Don't assume you'll escape oppression or deception. Be rooted in God's word, asking for understanding of biblical truth and adhering to His commands. Seek discernment when it comes to those who teach, write and claim to speak in the name of Christ. John encourages us to "test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God" (1 John 4:1). 

It's essential that we are walking in obedience to His promptings now when we aren't daily facing the immediate threat of persecution before us. Memorizing scripture is necessary while we have the opportunity. Pray that God will make you mentally aware of the slightest inconsistency with His word. Ask Him to empower your faith. Be vigilant in cultivating godly friendships and encourage one another not to give up. Remember God promises that He is with you and will strengthen you. Pray. Rejoice. Be thankful!

The strength we need to endure to the end is within us, because He is in us! "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (Psalm 73:26). Amen and Amen!