Sustained by His Word

Isn’t the word of God amazing? Have you ever felt crushed by life, confused, and defeated? I certainly have. In these times his word sustains me, over and over again. Why do I doubt?

I’ve mentioned at points about the various difficulties I have with KindlingTruth. Finding the right balance of perspective that shows love for all while disagreeing with most is hard for me. Especially among those of the Christian faith. It seems that yet again, Satan would have me defeated by my own weaknesses. I’ve been struggling with some hard things inwardly, facing some old spiritual foes that I thought were long gone, and just when I think I have the clarity I need, confusion and doubt sets in again.

I know I’m speaking in a way that doesn’t really make my struggles known, but I’m sure Christians can relate to the general feeling of doubt, confusion, and fear of defeat.

I find that often, when we call out to God and ask Him to show us the way using His word, He will. I’m going to share a passage with you that the Lord led me to in my despair, and I hope you will read it as encouragement, not as something to be afraid of. There is always a remnant of God’s people, and though I do believe Christianity at large is heading down the path of Sodom and Gomorrah, Jesus is merciful and he will lead us to his rest.

When you read this, please consider what is being said.

Romans 9:27 – Romans 10:4

Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved;

For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.

And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabbath had left us a seed, we had been as Sodom, and been made like unto Gomorrah.

What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith.

But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.

Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of law. For they stumbled at the stublingstone;

As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offense: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Christians, are we ever-learning but unable to come to knowledge of the truth? Are we so focused on tradition and arguments over doctrine that we stumble over the gospel of Jesus Christ — the gospel of the kingdom of God that dwells within those who put their faith in him — thereby freeing us from sin as we are conformed to his laws by faith?

Why do we insist on entering the kingdom by force? Why do we insist on our works-based salvation and declarations of faith that do not proceed from a fruitful faith? Why do we succumb to sin, perverting grace that would make us free? Why do we lay law upon law, trying to make the outside of the cup clean first?

We are doing the very things Jesus came to free the Jews from. Are we not Israel, Christians? Are we doing the same foolish things those before us did? Are we of our Father Abraham? Do we have his faith, or is our faith of the Pharisee, who’s father was the devil? I hope you can hear what I am trying so hard to make clear.

I understand that the tone of this article can be offensive. It is not my intent. I hope you will see this as strong conviction, not accusation or negativity. It’s hard to get things across the right way when writing, because there is not the benefit of tone of voice and such. If we had a face to face discussion, I think a lot of misunderstanding would be cleared up, so as always, questions and comments welcome. Please consider reading:

Minuscule Faith Moves Mountains (Complete Series)