Recently the Lord laid on my heart that we must be encouraged to learn how to stand firm in our faith, amidst the enemy's attacks.
Therefore I want to start off with the end in mind, and that is us standing in a position of peace and knowing that through Christ, we are already victorious!
John 16:33 NKJV
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Jesus said we would face tribulation. It's something we cannot get away from. Therefore knowing that this is so, we shouldn't be surprised when it happens ... but just because we know it's coming, does that mean we need to walk around with a defeated attitude and mindset, as though there's nothing we can do about it - and as a result, be in a constant state of fear, worry and anxiety? Certainly not!
The bible says in 1 Peter 5:7 that we should cast all our cares upon God, because He cares for us. Therefore whatever care, worry or concern you may be carrying, the bible says to cast that care upon God!
The way we cast that care is through prayer:
Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The bible says that when we have prayed (cast that care upon God), His peace will guard our hearts and minds. Meaning that we can be at peace concerning that situation that's causing the care/worry because we've released that matter and handed it over to God ... and the way we remain in this state of peace is by keeping our trust/confidence/faith in God (Isaiah 26:3)
My friend, this is the confidence we have when we pray:
Mark 11:24 NKJV
Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
Meaning that situation that was causing a concern, making you anxious, discouraged, burdened, etc - is taken care of! When was it taken care of ? - the moment you believed you received - and when did you do so ? - the moment you prayed!
In other words, your prayer was answered the moment you were done praying!
That issue is no longer a concern for you because you believe your prayer is answered and that you've handed it over to God and He's sorting it out, therefore you have no need to feel anxious anymore!
If you do this concerning every problem that comes your way, then how many problems do you have ? - None
You'll remain at peace and at rest because you know God's got it! It's like deflecting, using your shield of faith, every attack of the enemy or whatever comes your way. Like the moment something happens, it just bounces off of you and into God's care ... All day long, every day, concerning all situations and circumstances because you're standing strong and secure in faith, and in God's love for you - the moment you prayed! Can you imagine living this way? Nothing will ever get to you or cause you to be stressed out because the moment something comes up - immediately you just deflect that thing straight into God's loving care! You'll remain at peace at all times!
My friend, this is how easy it ought to be for us as children of God. Putting this into practice however, is another story all together ...
Read on to see how we can develop in this.