If you would like to experience the complete service (including worship and prayer time), please view our Live Stream of the service on our Facebook page.
We are at war! If you haven’t been attacked for your faith, you probably haven’t been standing up for it. How do you respond when you are attacked by other people? When facing these difficult situations, it is important to not run and to stay on the narrow path.
Don’t Run
Being attacked is nothing new. Elisha was mocked and his response was very different than many of us would respond to the same situation.
“From there Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some boys came out of the town and jeered at him. “Get out of here, baldy!” they said. “Get out of here, baldy!” 24 He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the Lord. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys. 25 And he went on to Mount Carmel and from there returned to Samaria.” 2 Kings 2:23-25
Elisha didn’t argue with the boys. It’s human nature to want to argue and defend ourselves. We need to just state our facts and move forward (don’t get caught up in meaningless debates). He let God deal with the mockers. We need to release control and let God deal with these situations for us.
Unfortunately, sometimes we may feel attacked by other believers. Too often people leave the church because of these disagreements/encounters. This is detrimental to the person leaving and to the church! Don’t give up…keep running the race.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Tim 4:7
Stay on the Narrow Path
When King David was in his last years of life, his life was a mess. His sons were fighting over who should take over the throne. King David responded to this challenging season is a very godly way:
My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.
How long will you assail a man,
That you may murder him, all of you,
Like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?They have counseled only to thrust him down from his high position;
They delight in falsehood;
They bless with their mouth,
But inwardly they curse.My soul, wait in silence for God only,
For my hope is from Him.He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.On God my salvation and my glory rest;
The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.Trust in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:1-8
King David didn’t wallow in pity or seek revenge. Instead, he ran to God. He turned his problems over to God to handle.
During turbulent times, talk to God! Pour out your heart to Him in worship. Use the Word of God when the enemy strikes. Spend more time on your knees praying.