And, when addressing the issues of weakness, Apostle Paul specifically identified two areas of concern: food and holy days. For instance, one person believes its all right to eat anything. But another believer whose faith is weak (with a sensitive conscience) will eat only vegetables. Similarly, some are very concerned about observing special holy days, while others consider each day alike. (Romans 14:2- 5).
Those who consider issues like this very important, with regard to the Kingdom are regarded as weak whose faith is weak (Romans 14:1) while those who does not are strong. He further address the issue as follows. But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. (1 Corinthians 8:8)
So, the food and observance of holy days have nothing at all to do with salvation. We are no better off for partaking or abstaining, because these things are of no significance to the kingdom of God.
Instead, those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who dont. And those who dont eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Because God is the Creator of all things, nothing is unclean in and of itself (Romans 14:14)
Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and dont argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. (Romans 14:1)Prophet Micah proclaims: No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)
So, part of our walk with the Lord is our dedication to stop doing wrong and learn to do what is right, which Prophet Isaiah confirms: Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless (Isaiah 1:17 NIV)
Dont let the downtrodden be humiliated again. Instead, let the poor and needy praise your name.(Psalm 74:21)1.1.5. Weakness of the strong
It is for this reason that Apostle Paul identifies with the strong and that they must be careful, that the exercise of their rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idols temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. (1 Corinthians 8: 9-11)
Once more the humble will rejoice in the LORD; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.(Isaiah 29:19)1.1.6. Weakness of the pride
Dont enter into helping or serving another because of obligation or expectation. We must be careful to remain humble when walking alongside those who suffer. For it is so easy to slip into the trap of thinking more highly of yourself than you should when you are surrounded by anothers shortcomings. Live in harmony with each other. Dont be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And dont think you know it all! (Romans 12:16).
When you are in the midst of these feelings, go to God in prayer now and allow Him to transform your heart.
Lord, thank you that your grace is enough to cover my weaknesses. I pray that your power would rest on me, strengthening me in my weaknesses, transform my heart and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus name, amen*Jesus Christ- Christ comes from Christos, a Greek word that means the anointed one, or the chosen one. Bible often refers to Jesus by name as Jesus Christ, just as we do in modern usage (see Matthew 1:1, 18; Mark 1:1; John 1:17; 17:3; Acts 3:6; Romans 3:24, etc.). When Jesus asked His disciples who they thought He was, Peter answered, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16).
*Elijah-Elijahs name means Yahweh is my God and is spelled Elias in some versions of the Bible. The story of his prophetic career in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reigns of Kings Ahab and Ahaziah is told in 1 Kings 1719 and 2 Kings 12 in the Old Testament.
*Samson- a member of the tribe of Dan, was one of the Judges of Israel. He Judged Israel for 20 years.
2
BATTLES, CHALLENGES AND STRUGGLES OF LIFE
Beloved, have you realised that when the only tool you own is a hammer, every problem begins to resemble a nail. It is even harder to go out there and get into action when you never sat down long enough to plan. So, do not go out charging into the battle without a plan. Above all if you get a Godly advice or counsel you will surely succeed. For plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance. (Proverbs 20:18)
When you are in war, if you are not attacking you will be attacked by the enemy. When the enemy wants to devour you that is when you need to get more determined. Keep your faith in God, and look unto Him; because if you cannot take it then you would not make it. We usually have a remarkable ability to keep fighting, as long as we do not lose sight of what we are fighting for. Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; (Psalm 144:1)
There comes a point in time where you stop feeling sorry for yourself and get up and do something about your situation. Tell that mountain to move. If you avoid the battle you were born for, you often end up facing battles not meant for you. You are never too small or old to move mountains, you are never too lost to be found.
You are never too sick to be healed, when faith in your life is abound everything possible. Being scared would not help, but being prepared does. Face your fear and prepare yourself for whatever task ahead. Much happens when you focus on the greatness of God rather than the problem in front of you. For the LORD your God is the One who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. (Deuteronomy 20:4)
It also depends on who are you turning to when troubles come. For it is not always Gods will to remove our troubles but, to teach us how to turn to Him instead of others. Thus, if your walk with Him was easy or without any challenges then how you would get stronger. So, God is not going to move every mountain there are times when you will need to put your faith to work and start climbing.
God is not always going to put everything in your hands. Sometimes, He will put it three steps away to see if you are willing to go get it.
He does not always just give you things, sometimes He makes you notice things, change your state of mind and overall gives you the opportunity. He want you to grow through everything that you go through. There may be complexities and difficulties that may exist in life but you have been created, or made for them. When life struggles make us weary or weak we can find rest in God alone. Just believeThe Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. (Proverbs 16:4)
He has placed provision, not where you stand, but in the place you are about to tread. He is working it out. You can only see part of the big picture, but God sees the whole picture, and He knows how to complete it. Do not worry, just breathe. If it is meant to be, it will find its wayI declare that Every place on which the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours. (Deuteronomy 11:24)Sometimes you just have to choose your battles wisely. No one changes the world by turning their attention to every big problem they encounter. Do not be distracted by focusing on bad experiences and missing out on peace, joy and love. Do not get your feelings hurt so easily. One who is easily offended stirs up much trouble for their life. Be bigger than that and forgive those who hurt you. God has a greater good in His plans for you. Doing what is right and fair pleases the Lord (Proverbs 21:3)