Believers of “The Way” live challenging lives in constant peril. Pray early. Pray often. The Spirit waits.

From the beginning of Christianity and i suppose even by definition of the word, Believers of “The Way” have lived challenging lives in constant peril. Being Christian by definition demands a life enveloped in risk and danger and possibly a life resulting in suffering, pain or death. If this describes your life, i applaud you and the saints that have gone before you, applaud you. Consider Peter’s take on your life’s experience…

“Take care of their threats and give your servants fearless confidence in preaching your Message, as you stretch out your hand to us in healings and miracles and wonders done in the name of your holy servant Jesus.”~Peter praying

When Jesus died, He knew the change that was coming for believers. He knew those who believed in Him as Savior and allowed Him to live out His life in them, they would live a life of love in the midst of struggle. Because of the life that was waiting in Christ, He sent the Holy Spirit to empower His children with all required to turn struggle on its head and create a life filled with joy and a desire to share His love with others continually.

While they were praying, the place where they were meeting trembled and shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God’s Word with fearless confidence. The whole congregation of believers was united as one-one heart, one mind!”~Peter’s answered prayer

We Believers, see and experience struggle laced with pain, risk and possible death. Yet in Christ, struggle does not define our lives. We are not defeated by the struggle, but are encouraged and empowered in the midst of the struggle.

Consider this. If our life is not characterized by struggle, would Jesus have had any reason to send the Holy Spirit? This thought is powerful. Possibly, without struggle… there would be no need for the revealing power of the Holy Spirit!

Pray early. Pray often. Enthusiastically embrace struggle. It can be the catalyst for empowering your life by the Holy Spirit. Victory will result in response to your prayer while abiding in Jesus. Amen.