Do you have unrelenting thoughts and feelings of dread? Do you feel like you are being viciously worn down by them? Are there practical ways in which we can stop them?

God’s desire is to take us from tribulation to victory. As with the Israelite’s coming out of Egypt all those years ago, this might not be recognizable through our finite minds, as we go through our trials. But, He has equipt us with His ability just the same.

I am reminded of 2 Timothy 1:7 states “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” I have found this scripture to be quite helpful during intense trials.

As I meditate on this often, it brings comfort to me.  Furthermore, 1 John 5:4 brings more comfort as it states “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

In the last post I had stated that I would show how to apply the shield of faith. To be successful in this we need to know where our source of faith resides. Hebrews 12:2 sheds light “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

The source of our faith is in Jesus Christ and what he has done for us. He is the author and finisher, and will always be on our side.

You know during life’s hardships the accuser of the brethren will come and try to convince us that we are unworthy. Or that we will not be able to overcome.  Or even to accuse and ask “Where is your God?”

But, this is a lie of the enemy to prevent us from receiving the help we really need. We’ve got to know that if God be for us, who can be against us? This must be in your heart very strongly.

Do you know that He formed you and has called you by name? Isaiah 43:1-2 “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. ² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

We have a promise that if we wait on the Lord, He will renew our strength. Isaiah 40:31  But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

By meditating on the scriptures and the promises, you are enacting a shield of faith protecting your mind from the lies of the enemy. For this is where the battle field is, for your thoughts. Will you choose to think the thoughts that line up with the Word? Or will you allow thoughts of the enemy to dominate.

This message was heavily influenced by Ken Birks  kenbirks.com/outlines/overcome-difficulties.doc