Staying on Course

By Dorie Meendering
Associate Pastor, Women’s Ministry, Resurrection Life Church, Grandville

What a challenge to stay on course through all the emotion of life!  It’s important to remember that we are here because God designed us and put us here.  We were God’s idea in the first place and He has a special place for us!

However, I Peter 5:8 tell us we have an adversary trying to devour us.  He will try to make you feel discouraged and want to give up.  But you have the ability to persevere because you have a personal guide, the Holy Spirit, who leads you every step of the way.  So, why would you give someone else more power over your life than the Holy Spirit?  If some situation has made you want to give up, you are led by the situation and not by the Holy Spirit.

Outlasting the Devil

You can always outlast the devil’s attack by “doing” the Word.  The “Word” is usually quite different than how you feel but, it works!  And, if the ‘Word’ works, why not do it?

Rom. 12:21 – overcome evil with good
I Peter 3:9 – bless so you receive a blessing
Matt 6:14 & 15 – forgive so you are forgiven
Phil 4:6 & 7 – pray and be thankful with your request
Rom. 15:13 – believe in the God of all hope and receive peace and joy.
Matt. 5:44 & 45 – do good when there’s opportunity
Prov. 2:1-7 – seek God for Wisdom

You do not have to understand everything that happens.  “Wondering” can keep you from believing.  If you have a divided mind, the Bible says don’t plan on receiving from the Lord.  (James 1:6)

There is a Way of Escape

Remember, there is a way of escape so you will be able to bear what you are going through.  (I Cor. 10:13)  However, several things can block your escape.  Take time to examine how your life is lining up with the Word of God.  One of the most common things blocking our victory is a lack of forgiveness, or holding on to offense.  Since God has forgiven us we are able, and expected, to forgive others.  Sometimes the hurt took only 5 minutes but we give it the right to hurt us 10 more years.  Why would we be so stubborn and continue to punish ourselves by making the choice to disobey God and not forgive?  You should love yourself more than that!

Attack with Tenacity and Perseverance

Recognize who is trying to pull you off course.  (I Peter 5:8).  If you don’t recognize your enemy, you won’t know how to fight and take your authority to use the power of Jesus’ name.  God, in His wisdom, has already laid out the only battle plan that will work and it is found in Ephesians 6: 10-18.  Use these tools and choose to be immovable in your faith.  Stand firm and don’t let your faith become shipwrecked!

You can outlast the devil!