Faith Under Fire

Nehemiah lived and served God during perilous times filled with political chaos, division, and violence. Sound familiar? Our own political culture is filled with immorality, division, and rage. Nehemiah’s enemies were not religiously motivated. Their attacks were more political stemming from their desire for financial profit and control of the region. But their attacks were against God’s people who were working to fulfill God’s will. Human politics have always been in opposition to God’s will. How do we maintain our faith and stand firm in times like these? How do we stand firm being “steadfast, immovable” (1 Cor 15:58) instead of falling into the temptation of rage and rhetoric like our adversaries?

• Hold fast to God. He is immutable – “For I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6)

• Hold fast to Scripture – “Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching”  (2 Tim 1:13)

• Hold fast to the Spirit – “He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13)

• Hold fast in prayer – The prayers of the righteous avail much  (James 5:16b)

• Hold fast to your faith – “Be alert, stand firm in the faith” (1 Cor 16:13)

• Hold fast to peace – God keeps us in perfect peace when our mind is fixed on Him (Isaiah 26:3)

• Hold fast to your faith family – We must strengthen and encourage one another to continue in faith through tribulation and hardships (Acts 4:22)