Integrity- People of God

Just as God foreknew in the garden the fall of mankind and made provision, He has also made provision for every situation we are in. When we are tempted to rebel, rise up in pride, hate or vengeance, God has provided an alternative way for us. It is up to us to seek His way and take the way He has offered us out of our present darkness. At times this way may be one of humbleness and self-effacement, which is contrary to the nature of pride the of fallen mankind.  

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

God foresees the traps the adversary has laid and know that we are weak. Though we may fall, God will turn those situations the enemy meant to hurt us and use them to be a benefit and blessing to us and those we minister to. 

Genesis 50:20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. 

Romans 8:28-29 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 

The things we go through and the lessons we learn often times are not just for our benefit. When these experiences arenavigated well, according to the knowledge and understanding of God’s word and faith in Jesus Christ, we are able to live inhope. These can be life lessons and useful in showing how to reflect God’s glory in hard situation and to those around us. 

Hebrews 12:1, 3 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. NKJ

Satan is not all knowing, but he has been observing mankind from the beginning. He has seen our tendencies, bents and the propensities of our appetite, so that humanity may be lured and tempted into his snares. That is why we must control our bodies so not to give the enemy an avenue to come and trap or entangle us into evil and depravity. 

1 Peter 5:8-11 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.   Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while,perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

It is our adversary who comes to wreak havoc over our lives, causing death and destruction but God has provided a way of escape. The world has cultivated a pattern of over indulgences,which seeks to fulfill every whim or desire without restraint.This leads to an undiscipline life that seldom tells the body no to its extravagances and excesses. 

As followers of Christ, we should exercise our will and minds and say no to our body’s cravings and appetites. We do this sothat we may run this race and win against the temptations of this world.  No one can run a marathon on the first try. It takes discipline, training and continued practice to run this race. Just as living a life under control is a practiced skill, it is not achieved overnight. 

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus, I fight: not as one who beats the air.   But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

It is in the most difficult situations that we find the test of our trust and faith in God. Though we may not understand why we are going through, or why we experiencing this dark phase unable to see the next thing, we can choose to trust God. God is faithful and hope is in His word that He will bring us through every situation, so that we may receive eternal life. 

Micah 7:7-8 Therefore I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me. Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise; When I sit in darkness, The Lord will be a light to me.

No matter the problem, no matter the situation or difficultiesthat we experience we should hold fast and know that our Hope is in Christ. 

Ruth 3:18 Then she said, “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day.” NKJ

Our hope is our faith and belief in God’s word and His steadfast love for us.

Then we all may say, “I will wait and see how the Lord settles the matter!”