We all know the classic phrase: “I’ve Tried and I’ve Failed”.
With a few pieces of scripture, I hope that we can remember the general phrase that God is able!
We have to remember that he is able:
To Deliver – Daniel 3:16-17
[16] Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
[17] If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
They believed! They clung to the promise of God, even without the guarantee of victory. And that is something that we have to remember to do. We can’t always have the clause that it is always going to be easy and without conflict. Going through the fire means that we have to face a little heat sometimes. However, in the end we all know who is the great and mighty deliverer, the one who is able to bring us through all that we must endure!
To Fulfil The Promise – Romans 4:20-21
[20] He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
[21] And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
Abraham Believed! Belief is the difference that separates churches that succeed and churches that fail. It separates when you see mountains move or when you see them stand there and always tower over you with no change. If God has promised you something through spoken word or by the word of God itself, then it is SO! Do not be persuaded by anyone or anything otherwise! Discouragement comes in many forms, and tries to change the belief of the children of God every single day. Stay true to the promise, and God will stay true to you!
To Guard Your Treasure – 2 Timothy 1:11-12
[11] Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
[12] For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Paul Believed! And by his words even today that I am still persuaded! I am also going to press on and not be ashamed. Why should we be? We are such a blessed people, and we have nothing to hide! Guard the wonderful treasures and gifts that God has given you by taking a stand for what you believe. Have some standards, live right, and show it to others each day. Let them know in whom you are fully persuaded to trust with your life!
To Keep You From Failing – Jude 1:21-24
[21] Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
[22] And of some have compassion, making a difference:
[23] And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
[24] Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.
Jude was exhorting to people to be reassured! And I come to you today to give that same assurance! We are going to be okay! We will make the difference! Leaders are born from hanging tough and enduring the tests. Followers are drawn from leaders. I urge you church leaders don’t give up, just endure. Numbers might come and go, but God will not change. It’s not in the numbers anyway. God will still be the same even if you were not able to attend church! Stay encouraged!