Where the Passion is

It's time for me to try this whole blog thing again. Spiritual warfare is worse in these days than it has ever been. I know I'm not an expert on the subject; and if I were to go into it alone, I would fall down lifeless. But sometimes you can affect someone's life so much, or allow the Holy Spirit's majesty to shine from your core so much, that Satan himself feels threatened. And I know this is a loaded topic - so much so that people either don't want to think about it, or they're simply not prepared for it. You can do everything right, and you still feel so discouraged, like nothing you've done has been worth it.

Well here's the kicker: the smallest seed is more than worth it. God has promised us that He will never let us get to that point where we just can't handle a burden. "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Cor. 10:13. Satan knows that. That's why he attacks before people ever get a chance to plant that seed. Then it goes unnoticed, and no one ever thinks about it again. But he doesn't let up. Lucifer keeps piling it on so that we will never again be able to find that seed. That's where encouragement comes in.

God has given us His Word, as well as His church, for guidance and encouragement. Whatever question you have, you can find the answer by reading. We have friends and a faith family to lift us up; to say, "I love you no matter what. Through Jesus Christ you are a good person, and He does good things with you." Everyday we walk through a battle zone, and everyday someone is lost to the battle zone. God puts our friends in the right place at the right time to tell us what we need to hear. They're our "out." Not one who has ever put his faith in Christ Jesus has been lost to the battle zone. You can find solace in knowing that the battle has already been won, and those who trust in Jesus Christ alone are on the winning side. You don't have to worry about it, because the victory's already been claimed.

We are Christians. Therefore it is our birthright that we be persecuted for our faith. So I say bring it on! Because knowing what I know about God's promise to give us an "out," no amount of persecution could ever strike me down. "I will never leave you nor forsake you." - Jos. 1:5.

And that is where the Passion is.