Agreeably the year 2020 has been a challenging one with the world groaning under the affliction of the COVID-19 pandemic. The world cannot wait for the year to end hoping for a better year 2021 ahead. However, as the children of God’s kingdom – even though we are in the world together with everyone – we know that God remains the same, He’s not shocked by the events in the world and He has been faithful to His Word and kept His commitment to His people. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). If we take a moment to look back into the year 2020, consider all our experiences, our wins and our losses, we will see that God has been good to us as He has always been and that we have so many reasons to be thankful. As we close this year reflecting on these things, let us keep on looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Let us keep standing our ground, listening out for and obeying His instructions, using our God given authority wherever God has positioned us. His will shall ultimately be done in our lives and on the earth.
Have a Merry Christmas and a glorious New Year 2021 ahead. Shalom.
This is an extraordinary season for our generation. We have seen sicknesses and pandemics before, but COVID-19 brings a new level of challenges in all spheres of life going by the scale of spread and impact on the world.
However, what is happening is not a shock to God. God knows the end from the beginning Isaiah 46:10
Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’
Sicknesses, pandemics, earthquakes and other disasters were all predicted to be signs of the end-times in the scriptures, these are all consequences of sin and corruption and God allowed them to happen. Matthew 24:5-8
What do we do to endure the season and come victorious at the other end?
Ephesians 6:10-18.
The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [a]wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [b]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
Take on the full armour of God.
Truth – Jesus is the way the truth and the life. Greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world. 1 John 4:4 .
Refuse the lies of the enemy. Stick to the truth of the Word of God. What does God’s Word say about you, your life, your health and welfare? Even if the circumstances say otherwise, remain standing on the Word of God.
The breastplate of righteousness – Jesus
makes you righteous so enjoy the status and take your authority in Christ.
Preparedness – Be prepared, be alert and sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit at all times. Be prepared for opportunities to share the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ with as many as God will bring your way and using diverse means. Be prepared against any battle trick of the enemy. Be prepared for the coming of the Lord. Live prepared.
Shield of Faith – Know who you are and stand on God’s word. Even when you feel symptoms and the devil attacks your mind with all kinds of lies/messages, do not give in.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
We attack and push back on the enemy using the Word of God. Let us remember we have the name of Jesus.
Philippians 2:9-11
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
No matter the name of the disease, whether old or new, it is no match for the name of Jesus. Let us apply this word to our lives and we are sure to come out victorious.
Message shared – City on A Hill Christian Centre Edmonton -Fellowship meeting – 7th of March, 2020. We believe this is ever more relevant for our present day and as the world is passing through a unique storm at this time.
Be encouraged. We are built to outlast the season.
