Let The Weak Say: - Job Mothiba 2 стр.

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)

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)

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)

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.

*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)

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)

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)

If you see life as a battle, then a battle is what you will get, the struggle ends when you let go to seek peace instead. Sometimes you have to give up the fight and walk away, and move on to something that is more productive. Reach your full potential and maximise your life, by chasing after *The Giver of every good and perfect gift. (James 1:17)

We are so sensitive about meaningless things that do not even concern us. Seek the peace of God that surpasses all human understanding and pursue it. People that do not value peace will always seek to disrupt yours. Do not let your peace, joy and hope walk away simply because they did. Know when to shut up and stop trying to prove a point even if you are right.

People who need to prove their point usually do not have one. They are always out to prove something to other people. You do not have to worry about impressing others. Prove things only to yourself. At times when all seems wrong, and makes no sense, feelings will tell you to prove your point but, faith will tell you to protect your peace. In chaos, stay focused- remember the big picture. God loves you. You do not have to react or respond to everything. Practice the art of observation.

Just watch and pray. You will learn so much. Self-control is a strength and an action that must be practiced daily.

If you keep finding yourself in the same battle, it is time to do something different. Taste your words before you spit them out. What you say to others in anger or sarcastically, may bite you back later. No one has ever made himself great by showing how small someone else is. Remember, words only hurt when you allow yourself to believe them. The more words you speak, then less they mean. So what good are they? (Ecclesiastes 6:11)

There are some things you would not understand until later but, you have to live now to get to later. Even though life may seem like it is in perpetual winter, yet season pass and rejuvenation takes growth in the sorrows of yesterday. You cannot live out your life in the sand, just because you started in the sand. Your struggle is not your identity, how you deal with it is. Do not look at things the way they are, believe God for how they could be. You may not understand today or tomorrow, but eventually God will reveal why you went through everything you did. Delay does not necessarily mean denial.

Though we identify the immediate cause of our delays, like a traffic light or the long checkout line but, the Lord is in control. Keep your hopes high, but do not let them become a substitute for your efforts. Most of us have far more courage than we ever dreamed we possessed. Character is always revealed when we are under pressure. Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times. (Romans 12:12)

Sometimes you may face difficulties in life, not because you are doing something wrong but, because you are doing something right. Job was not tested because he did anything wrong. He was tested because he lived a life of righteousness before God. Although this may be a hard pill to swallow for some, the reason you are being attacked is due to your decision to obey God. As tough as things got, God never allowed the enemy to have the victory over Job.

And, He will not allow the enemy to be victorious in your situation either. For the Bible says If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully keep all his commands, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the world (Deuteronomy 28:1).

By the way, have you ever had a door of opportunity slam in your face? A job applicationthat you did not get; a loanthat was turned down; a friendship or relationshipthat ended; a proposalwhere the answer was no. Well, when all these happen, do not be afraid to get back up and try again, love again, live again, and dream again. Do not let a hard lesson harden your heart. Lifes best lessons are often learned at the worst times and from the worst situations. Yes, there will be times when it seems like everything is going wrong and you might feel like you will be stuck in this rut forever, but you would not.

When you feel like quitting, remember sometimes things have to go wrong before they can be right. Sometimes you have to go through the worst, to arrive at your best. Yes, life is tough, but you must be tougher. Do not stress over things you cannot change. And let the peace of God rule in your heart (Colossians 3:15)

At some point in life the load just seems too heavy to bear anymore. But, thankfully that is when Jesus steps in. As you just had a door of opportunity slammed in your face. A job that you did not get, a loan application that was turned down; a friendship or relationship that has just ended, and all these has made you hate endings, goodbyes and changes.

But, the endings you are going through right now bring about the beginnings you have been waiting for. No matter how great the anxiety of starting over becomes, the joy of finally getting it right will supersede the frustration of the moment. One of the best feelings is finally being able to say I am over it. For promotion comes neither from east nor from west nor from the south. But, God is the judge. May, the Lord raise up the standard for you when the enemy comes in like floods. (Isaiah 59:19)

Wherever you are, whatever struggle that you are walking through, know you are not alone, and there is grace, every step along the way. The beginnings are usually scary but, endings are usually better. Do not look back and wonder why things went wrong. It happened for a reason. Your better days are ahead of you. Do not regret for not doing more. It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit. Do not be stressed as you endure your test. God is yet on the throne and He is working it out for your good. Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life (James 1:12)

If you cannot see clearly while the mist of confusion surrounds, let it settle, then decide your plan of action.

When you lack or have nothing, it seem okay to want things other people have; it is quite natural that we should want good things for ourselves. But, the bible says do not covert, meaning to desire (someone or something) obsessively, wrongfully, and/or without due regard for the rights/feelings of others. It is a strong emotion, to be avoided. So, we should not fool ourselves into thinking that other people have picture-perfect lives.

Everyone struggles, everyone hurts, and everyone is enduring something that they probably would not tell you about. Whatever picture people paint their life as, rest assured that any ones life in all its parts is beautiful and ugly, hopeful and weary, a blessing and an everyday battle.

Focus on the good parts of your life and do not be ashamed for your own set of problems because if you knew what everyone else was going through, you would probably still choose your own life and stop comparing yourself to anyone.