Fortitude of Faith

Having lived through many trails within my life at this point, it becomes easier to relate to the amazing stories within the Bible. Many people within the Bible surpass challenges that initially were believed to be the end of them. These challenges that we read through may seem harder to us than our own, others may seem easier. Still, we battle through our own trials with similar hopes of transitioning them to testimonies. Stories of triumph often resonate with many of us because we, too, have or will overcome.

When reading through the book of Jeremiah, there is a beautiful story of strong faith that jumped out to me during our last Bible study. The city is besieged with the prophet that the book is named after held captive within the king's house. His reason for imprisonment? Prophesying hard truth to the king. Though captive, Jeremiah does not allow this circumstance to hinder him continuing to do what God has called him for. Rather than being down on himself and disheartened by his situation, Jeremiah gives a prophesy that would require much faith to speak aloud.

'‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Take these deeds, both this purchase deed which is sealed and this deed which is open, and put them in an earthen vessel, that they may last many days.”  For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land.” ’' Jeremiah 32:14-15 NKJV

While in bondage, Jeremiah speaks hope into the room that is drenched in doubts. Regardless of the circumstance, even in prison (which is often where you will find those that preached opposition at this time), Jeremiah encourages those about to be captive to trust that God will bring them back to this city. Not only that they would return, but that they would still own and reside on their land.

Rather than cowering to defeat, Jeremiah will later speak prayers out to God, testifying of God's goodness. Not being self-righteous of Jeremiah's stubbornness to hold onto his faith but reminding himself of all that God continues to pull all of His people through. For Jeremiah, he was so close to God that he displays clearly that he was very aware of God's character.

Though many before or after Jeremiah seem to glance parts of God that are revelations even to us today, Jesus does not lightly describe the types of challenges those that follow Him may endure. In fact, Jesus' words describing the way the world would welcome His followers was probably a stark difference to what was expected. Often Jesus' disciples request the status of the new Kingdom that follows the Christ. In contrast, they're told of endurance and how they must overcome what they hope to defeat - oppression.

'“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.   Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.' Matthew 5:11-12 NKJV

These words, while they drip of seeping truth, had to cut deep to those that had high hopes of defeating the legions of Roman's that continued to push them around. Rather than leaping with joyous shouts of victory over Romans, Jesus reminds all of those in attendance of His true mission. A kingdom beyond this plain exists. Just as we were reminded from Jeremiah, Jesus reminds us of the persecution of the prophets that Jeremiah and others faced.

Fortunately for us, God's grace covers beyond the multitude of the sin that we have tried to cover ourselves with. While in the moment of being surrounded by evil, there is still a call to rejoice and be exceedingly glad! There is also a reward that is inherited due to our family ties. A given gift that cannot be diminished nor tarnished by the world's persecution - forgiveness.

'“There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.   And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.”  ' Luke 7:41-43 NKJV

Many of us have spent our lives chasing after our own decisions and ideals of success. Regardless of the depth that you have dove; God can pick us up! As the proposed question is given to Simon, the beauty that pours from it is forgiveness. Not simply forgiveness from tiny mistakes, but sin is equally weighted between trespasses. However, when forgiveness is found and felt, repentance seems to always allow a path to the depth that was thought to be unreachable.

This forgiveness that is often met with repentance creates a healing towards our hearts and minds. Realizing that God has freely forgiven us of those sins that sometimes we cannot even repeat in words, let alone actions, is a freedom that no other can provide. This revelation should renew our minds and transform us, just as described by Paul. A man that thought at one point he was killing in the name of God continues to reveal a transformational mindset to overcome this world. Allow this forgiveness to foster a fortitude of faith.

'I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.' Romans 12:1-2 NKJV

Please join me in praying:

"God, we are so thankful that You reveal Yourself to us. Thank You for strengthening us through our trials and allowing them to become testimonies! Thank You for the faith that transforms our minds! Thank You for renewing us! Thank You for Your grace that renews each day! Encourage us to present ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to You - our reasonable service. Transform our minds to seek You above all, no matter the circumstance. Amen."