II Kings 18:35 “Who among all the gods of the lands have delivered their lands out of my hand, ‘that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?'”
One thing about our enemy is that sometimes he just won’t shut up! It’s like he tries to wear us down by the simple fact of going on and on. The seeds of doubt are the currency he uses, “did God really say” (Gen 3:1) and “if you are the Son of God?” (Matt 4:6, Mark 4:3, Matt 26:63, Matt 27:40, etc)
The people of Jerusalem were facing a brutal end to their lives if this enemy won, the contest was real, the stakes were high, everything was on the line. They had to choose between listening to the enemy or listening to the King. So often that’s our choice too.
We can be financially strong, and that will get us through some challenges, we can be emotionally strong, and that also will help us travel through some challenges. Even physical strength is of some benefit when facing health challenges for example.
If we are Spiritually strong, we will be able to traverse through the greatest challenges life throws our way. So what does Spiritual strength look like? Let’s look at 1,2,3 Spirituality?
- We are reading our bible every day and the words on the page are informing our life.
- We hear the voice of the Holy Spirit directing our feet and in obedience, we walk closely with Him.
- We intentionally surround ourselves with others who are spiritually well and build relationships with them. As we speak into their lives they also speak into our lives.
This is a daily thing, not a one-off action when we are in trouble. If we practice these three simple things each day, when we hit the tough spots in life we will already be prepared to journey through them with wisdom, God-insights, and grace.
Hezekiah had destroyed all the spiritual distractions in Jerusalem and had opened up the gates to the temple once more, making a way for the people to be right with God again. Will you clean house today, get rid of all distractions, re-enter a holy relationship with the lover of your soul and allow Him to inform your every decision?
Principle of Change 38 – put into practice daily the elements of spiritual strength.
Strength – Strategic – You will always find a way to proceed, and navigate barriers and obstacles. You always see the big picture and your perseverance creates confidence.