Encouragement

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It is not hidden from us as believers. We are aware that it is us against the world. That the direction we are walking as we have taken our Father’s hand is upstream, against the current of the wicked and viscous ways of this world we live in.

1 John 3:13 Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

We are called to stand out, to be noticeably different as we face the same circumstances as the rest of the world does. We face the same tests and trials, we just face them armed with all that our Father has provided for us, His protection, His Word … and understanding that there’s a plan, a purpose normally far greater than we can see.

We are provided the community around us for a reason. We are to protect one another, keep one another accountable … band together as we are stronger, better together. We are to endure one anothers pains and sorrows, joys and triumphs.

1 John 3:16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

We are called to please our Father, and as a parent myself nothing pleases me more than watching my son find success when he is obedient. We must not complain as we know all things are from the Lord and serve a purpose to further His cause in us and in others.

James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds

We play an important role when we are banded together. Each part unique, with strengths and abilities that make their skill set as a soldier … special. We can lean on God, and we can lean on one another to further our skill sets, to strengthen our bond to one another, our bond with our Commander … and strengthen our force against the world.

Philippians 3:17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.

The battle lines were drawn a long time ago …you are a part of an elite, special ops unit. He has equipped you with a unique skill set and promises you eternity. Go without fear. Find your ‘band of brothers’ …. Fight the good fight together … don’t get separated from your unit, but if you do, do not fear.

Matthew 18:12 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?

To be alone in this world as a follower is a dangerous place to be. Granted, we are never truly alone … but without the unit, the surrounding community we are connected to … the temptations of the wicked world we face without anyone to fall back on, without someone to hold us accountable are far more dangerous. The battle that you were once fighting now lies within as you battle with yourself.

Luke 11:35 See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.

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