FORTITUDE - Part 2
The Letter ‘N’ – Nuture your Spiritual Roots
It is crucial that when we go through trials, we have our feet strongly rooted in the ground so that we do not be swayed about by the winds. There are many Christians whose roots are not strongly grounded in the word of God. Mark 4:16-17 tells us of the parable where the seed (word of God) falls on stony ground but because the seed does not have any root, it soon dies away when tribulations and persecutions come as a result of the word. These are people who give up easily when they have to go through hard times and they succumb to temptations to look for an easy way out. Why is this so? The reason is because there is no depth of character which explains for them falling away when trials come.
When you are going through a difficult situation, go back to the instruments you have on hands that God has given you, that is, the word of God and what the bible has to say about it. Clearly, in Isaiah 54:17 and Deuteronomy 28:13, the word of God says that no weapon and words form against you shall prosper and He has made you the head and not the tail as long as you heed the word of God. Luke 8:15 tells us that those who receive the word of God with a noble and good heart, keep the word in their heart and bear fruits with patience. Such a Christian does not give up on God and the word of God. Instead, he holds on to the word of God in his heart and nurtures it. No matter how tough the situation is, the bible says that all things (good and bad) work for the good of those who love God.
The Bible is your best weapon and tool in times of trials. But why do we keep going back to the word of God? First of all, the Bible is like a lamp unto our feet, guiding us what to do (Psalms 119:105). The purpose of lighting a lamp is to illuminate the darkness so that you can see clearly what is before you. Similarly, the word of God is like a lamp. It will clearly illuminate the areas of darkness and show you what you have to do to get out of the situation. Secondly, the word of God is our best weapon for it is like a double-edged sword that cuts right through to separate the truth from the lies and it is alive and active – Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12. It will show you a new revelation to the situation that you are not able to see with your own naked eyes. Thirdly, Romans 15:4 tells us everything in the scripture was written down for our encouragement and for our reference. When we read about other Christians, their sufferings and God’s deliverance, it will give us encouragement and comfort, knowing that our God will do the same for us just as he had done for those in the bible. Cultures will change. The world will change. But there is one thing that will never change – the principles and truth of God’s word will never change nor will it be returned back to God void.
Root yourself in the word of God strongly so that in times of trials and difficulties, you will not be tossed and swayed by the winds and waves of life as well as people’s opinions.
The Letter ‘D’ – Direct your Attention to Jesus Christ/ God. We will look at this in the part 3.

2 Comments»
joy
13. February 2008 | 21:29 h
keep it up friend. a service from the heart and waking up some close minds when it comes to God’s words is great work. We may never say that we are perfect and capable of bringing out such words the important is what is it in our hearts and in mind that seek first the Kingdom og God and believe in Him. Happy Valentines!!!
Kat
19. February 2008 | 04:54 h
Thanks for your encouragment and exhortation to feast on the Word that gives life and peace, everlasting peace. How good our God is… how wonderful it is that we are called His own through Christ. Blessings.