Stay Strong in Your Faith!
¿Quede Ud. Firma en La Fe!
by
Mary Hunt Webb
Posted Tuesday, August 29, 2023
After teaching adults for years, I now occasionally see some of my former students around town. [Photographer: Mirea. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.com.]
Through the years, I warmly greeted a former student each time I saw her in places that we both frequent. I knew her beliefs were strong and different from mine because of the culture from which she came, and I respected that.
Over time, she began to ask me questions such as, "Have you studied my religion?"
In response to my negative reply, she urged, "You should!" After I said, "No, I don't need to do that," she continued, "How would you know you wouldn't like it if you haven't studied it?"
She wouldn't take "No" for an answer. Eventually this happened every time I saw her.
When other people try to turn us away from our faith and won't listen to our beliefs, then we may have no other choice but to avoid them. [Photographer: Couleur. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.com.]
Any attempt to tell her about Christianity caused her to try to argue with me. As a result, I began to avoid being close enough to speak to her because she would not respect my right to be a Christian. Nor would she listen to my refusal to explore her religion.
There was no reason for me to study her religion because I had long ago accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I knew beyond all doubt that Jesus had touched my heart and that I wanted to follow Him. That assurance has never left me and has continued to support me throughout my life.
In 1 Peter 5:8-9, the apostle Peter warns us that others will attempt to persuade us away from Christianity when he advises, 8) "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9) Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (NIV)
We can take comfort in knowing that those attempts were happening then because they are still happening now. Satan is relentless in his efforts to weaken the faith of Christians.
His attempts to do so may take a variety of forms, including verbal efforts to dissuade us from Christianity. Other people may fall under pressure, but none of those attempts can harm us as believers in Jesus Christ. The Lord has certainly kept His promise to be with me and protect me through the decades, and He will do the same for you if you ask Him.
Prayer: Thank You, dear Lord, for providing the confidence that comes from believing in You. Please give me the proper words to say when others try to turn me away from You. I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.
BIBLE VERSES IN THIS POSTING
1 Peter 5:8-9 — 8) Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9) Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (NIV)
1 Pedro 5:8-9 — 8) Sed sobrios, y velad; porque vuestro adversario el diablo, como león rugiente, anda alrededor buscando a quien devorar; 9) al cual resistid firmes en la fe, sabiendo que los mismos padecimientos se van cumpliendo en vuestros hermanos en todo el mundo. (Reina-Valera 1960)
We are to remain firm in our faith in Jehovah God and in Jesus Christ and must be suspicious of anyone that tries to turn us away from Christianity. [Photographer: Korey. Photo courtesy of Stockvault.com.]
