The things we CAN do... even when we’re vulnerable

Pastors Simone Womersley and Nicholas Tsakis shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 3 October 2010.

We are very human, with limited understanding. So that means we have to press in sometimes to know God's peace.

Pressing in can be a different exercise for types of people. Some people are amazingly faithful. Others are so grounded that they have a lack of spiritual perspective. The balance is what we need.

When pressing in, remember the following affirmations:

• We CAN renew our minds. See Ephesians 4:7-18.
• We CAN gain Godly wisdom.
• We CAN gain helpful skills, such as discernment.
• We CAN grow and pray.
• We CAN forgive and repent.
• We CAN work hard when necessary.
• We CAN fellowship and worship together.
• We CAN understand our enemy, his origin and tactics (ie. deception, feelings of unworthiness). God has not left us at the mercy of the enemy.
• We CAN wear and apply spiritual armour and weapons.
• We CAN praise in all circumstances.
• We CAN stop the enemy getting a foothold.
• We CAN rid ourselves of anger.
• We CAN avoid occult practices.
• We CAN avoid being rebellious.
• We CAN avoid being deliberately disobedient.
• We CAN be self-controlled.
• We CAN avoid the habit of spiritual lethargy.

These 'we CAN' affirmations are not out of our grasp. With God's help, we are equipped. The armies of God are on our side.

What do you want to see changed in your life?

With God, pressing in to Him, you CAN see changes in your life. See Romans 8:38-39.

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Pastor Nicholas Tsakis then shared, beginning with Matthew 4, where we read a typology of the Israelites going into the wilderness compared with the life of Christ. Jesus was tempted, but remained sinless.

The tempter tried to turn Christ from His Father's love and path. The enemy wanted Jesus to distort the truth of God's Word. Jesus resisted and, in verse 11, we see how an angel came and attended to Him.

Faced with challenges, we dig deep into the Word of God and do not respond just by emotions. The enemy is typically wanting to diver us after a mountaintop experience. In fact, our convictions will be challenged when we are under pressure.

There are no short cuts. Jesus did not cut corners even when in a vulnerable place.

Temptation is not a sin but we sin when we succumb to it.

Jesus said no to the enemy, despite being vulnerable.

Dig deep and get into the Word of God.

You are an overcomer because of God in you.

Hebrews 4:15-16 gives us confidence to get the help we need in time of need.

Jesus was led into the wilderness to fast, not eat. He was hungry but was there to abstain from food and sustenance. If you think of your life, notice how we may be tempted to take normal desires and use them in the wrong way at the wrong time.

From Ephesians 6:17, we read about staying close to God.

All of us face challenges and temptations, but be aware of the source of that.

Image source: By Paul Lee, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org