You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. – Matthew 16:18
Winds blowing from a single direction over the earth are called prevailing winds. Where they meet up are called convergence zones. If you have been outside in strong winds, then you know they are a powerful force. In the life of every child of God, as well as in His Church, there are seasons of testing – times when you must stand against the prevailing winds of a godless culture and hostile world system.
In both the Old and New Testaments, the words translated “test” usually means “to prove by trial.“ As God leads His people along the path of eternal life, the deceiver, Satan, “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
And there is a convergence! Only one force will prevail when the Holy Spirit comes against the destructive will of evil.
Very few like the idea that God permits difficulty to come into the lives of His children or His Church, but it is a reality. “The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the LORD tests hearts” (Proverbs 17:3).
Yes, God allows tests, not so He can know your strength (He already knows!) but so you may see His. The resurrection power of Jesus Christ is stronger than any scheme from hell. Your faith grounded in His power means you may stand regardless of the winds that blow.
Pray for God’s people in America to rely on Him and remain faithful in testing times. Ask that believers stand firm in faith, be confident in the power of the risen Christ, and be a light to those who don’t know Him.
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