By Grace Through Faith

There is so much we can learn from the book of Acts. One of the main takeaways that speaks to me through the book of Acts is the reminder that we, as followers of Christ Jesus, truly have an enemy against us. 

Jesus taught us that we will face trials in this world. The world will hate us as it hated Him.

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” – John 15:18-19

Our enemy hates our obedience in Christ. He will see any opportunity and use any tactic to shake us from being obedient to the will of God. Spiritual warfare, persecution, temptation, and suffering are aimed towards us by the enemy so we will go against God’s will. 

Have you ever noticed that when you are taking steps of obedience aligned with God’s will, you may be faced with either some major or minor setbacks?

When something feels like it should be easy or take a short amount a time, it’s taking longer. Or you’re struggling to get part of a project, a task, or an assignment complete? (This is just one example, but something I notice often.)

Then I’m left questioning – What am I doing wrong? Why is this not working? 

Even in the setbacks, through Christ, we get to have a comeback. The setback doesn’t get to label the moment in negativity or loss. It doesn’t get to have control over our identity.

Because of the Holy Spirit of Christ living in His followers, we can be strengthened by our setbacks, be refined by the fire, and step into faith that the Lord is going with us and before us in all things.

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. – Deuteronomy 31:8

I love what Ephesians 3 reminds us of the power of Christ in us:

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. – Ephesians 3:14-21

What an honor to be filled with all the fullness of God. Another takeaway from the book of Acts is the power of the Holy Spirit, that is ALIVE in YOU. What a gift that the Lord has given us to be comforted by Him, united with Him, and living with His Spirit every hour and every day. 

I hope in the challenges, setbacks, and trials you face, you can remember that oppression is a sign that the enemy is scared. He is scared of where and what we can accomplish with the Lord at our side, living in obedience with God.

With love,

Claire