Wisdom Walks: Can You Stand the Heat?

Book Excerpt from Wisdom Walks: 52 Life Principles for a Significant and Meaningful Journey by Dan Britton and Jimmy Page

 

Can You Stand the Heat?

WisdomWalks Principle
Life is tough. Be ready.

One person with courage is a majority.
Jimmy Page

Can you remember exactly where you were when you heard that planes flown by terrorists had struck the Twin Towers? The images from 9/11/2001 are still vividly entrenched in my mind. Although the photos from the sites were difficult to see, most of us remained glued to the television for days.

But without question, what sticks out most in my memory is the video footage of heroic police officers and firefighters running toward the towers as thousands ran away in fear. In the face of terror and chaos, those men and women ran into the building on a mission to save lives. What incredible heroes! When life got tough, they were ready!

The apostle Paul was like an old-time firefighter. He expected to face danger and hardship everywhere he went. He went into “burning buildings” on a mission to save lives. And since he expected to feel the heat, he was ready for it, he endured it, and he took his stand against it. Are you ready?

Compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However,  I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:22–24

Life is full of challenges and obstacles. The Holy Spirit even warned Paul about them. Jesus says to expect tough times but also encourages us to be courageous in the face of adversity and to trust Him. Life is tough. Be ready. The easy road is for passive people. The rocky road is for those who want more than personal happiness, accumulation of stuff, and then retirement. God continually calls us to engage the enemy, our own sinful desires, the culture, injustice, poverty, and evil. In Ephesians 6:10–20, Paul reveals that the real battle happens in the spiritual realm, and if we rely on our own strength and talent, we will be defeated.

The battle is won or lost by those who rely on the power of God.

Our fight isn’t really against other people. We have an enemy who will do everything he can to steal, kill, and destroy. If he can discourage you, he will. If he can divide us, he will. If he can cause doubt and disbelief, he will. Those who win the battle are the ones who rely on the power of God and those who:

Expect it. Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Better still, He promises peace right in the middle of the battle.

Get ready for it. And stand against it. The only way to prepare for and stand up to a spiritual battle is to put on spiritual armor as you enter each day.

Be true. The Belt of Truth: This belt holds together all the other parts of the armor. When you practice integrity and have a clear conscience, you can have no fear. You never have to look over your shoulder or wonder when a lie will catch up to you. Jesus is the truth, so by studying His life and asking Him to guide you, you’ll know the right thing to do.

Be right. The Breastplate of Righteousness: True righteousness comes only when your heart is made right by faith in Christ. His forgiveness is forever. But asking for forgiveness for your sins each day keeps this protection in place.

Be ready. The Shoes of the Gospel: When you wear these shoes, it means you are ready to share your faith in Christ. You seek opportunities to live out your faith and show others the love of Jesus. And you’re not afraid to walk into the tough situations or to take a stand for your faith.