DON’T FAINT!

DON’T FAINT!

Gal 6:9

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Satan will see to it that we are challenged strongly and often. As he senses that his time is short the pressure upon believers will be overwhelming. Many will be tempted simply to stop putting forth the effort required to do right.

The word “faint” in the above text means to relax in discharging responsibilities in obedience to the Lord. It is the Greek word ekluo and means “to loose, as a bow-string.” The mental picture is of one engaged in hard labor or combat slumping in exhaustion.

So how does the believer press on without fainting?

1. LEARN ENDURANCE – HANG IN THERE!

2 Tim 2:3

3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

2 Cor 4:16-17

16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

We have heard it and spoken it many times: “This too shall pass!” Paul said our light affliction, though it may not seem light to us, is only for a moment. If we endure with patience it will pass.

2. LET TRIALS PURIFY YOU!

1 Peter 1:6-7

6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Precious metals are subjected to incredible heat in order to remove impurities. Peter likens our trials and troubles to that refining fire. So, in times of great distress, allow the experience to drive you to God and drive you to your knees. Ask God to reveal and remove your impurities.

Charles Stanley, in a recent sermon, said there are no less than ten things to consider when you are going through a trial.

1.     God is in control of the time & intensity of my trial.

2.     God has a specific purpose for my trial.

3.     This trial is designed to meet a specific need.

4.     The trial will be good for me if I respond in faith.

5.     This trial can strengthen my faith.

6.     This trial is an opportunity to demonstrate perseverance under pressure.

7.     This trial will develop Christ-likeness in me.

8.     This trial will help me measure my spiritual maturity.

9.     God will walk me through my trial.  (“The Lord is at hand!”)

10.By God’s grace and power I will overcome this trial.

3. PRAY AND EXPECT AN ANSWER!

Ps 91:14-15

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

If you love God He has promised to answer you when you pray. Verse 15 promises that He will be with you in trouble. Do you sense His presence even in difficulty? He plans to deliver you and honor you. Watch for it – wait for it. It’s coming.

Dear Lord, many of my friends are going through extreme difficulty. Please be with them and hurry to help them. AMEN