January 27th

January 27th

You know that stubborn streak you have? It’s time for that to shine. Dig in your heels and stand your ground, hold the line or whatever else you want to call it. That stubborn streak that can cause you trouble just may come in handy when it comes to staying the course in this life of following Christ. That stubborn streak may give you the gumption to grab hold of Jesus and not let go when the going gets rough. When the world around you is saying yes to the wrong thing, you will need the strength to say yes to the right thing instead. Instead of stubbornness you may find yourself with unwavering faith. So rather than thinking that you need to have the stubbornness removed, maybe you just need to ask the Holy Spirit to turn it into strong, unwavering faith and obedience.

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:35-39 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.” And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

We have the promises to hold on to, we just need to hold on and not let go. We need to decide that we will let nothing deter us from following Christ. We need to dig in our heels and determine to stand our ground. The strength to do that comes from God Himself, not us, but we have to decide that is the path we are willing to take. We have to submit to His will.

We need to encourage each other along the way as well, strengthening and encouraging each other to keep the faith and stand strong. Praying for each other frequently and even standing with each other when possible.

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

This year let’s prayerfully stand strong against the schemes of the enemy and the temptations of this world. Not by our strength, but let our stubbornness make us determined to seek strength and wisdom from the Lord and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit to see victory in our lives.

Jesus, thank you for your faithfulness. Help me to be determined to seek your help and strength in every situation that I face. Help me to stand strong against the enemy. Thank you that you have already won the fight and I just need to walk in that victory. Please give me wisdom and discernment and show me how I can encourage and pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ.