Ready for Resistance?

Craig Brian Larson, pastor and author, shared this fascinating true story about the necessity of resistance.

On December 29, 1987, a Soviet cosmonaut returned to the earth after 326 days in orbit. He was in good health, which hasn’t always been the case in those record-breaking voyages. Five years earlier, touching down after 211 days in space, two cosmonauts suffered from dizziness, high pulse rates, and heart palpitations. They couldn’t walk for a week, and after 30 days, they were still undergoing therapy for atrophied muscles and weakened hearts.

At zero gravity, the muscles of the body begin to waste away because there is no resistance. To counteract this, the Soviets prescribed a vigorous exercise program for the cosmonauts. They invented the “penguin suit,” a running suit laced with elastic bands. It resists every move the cosmonauts make, forcing them to exert their strength. Apparently the regimen is working.

We often long dreamily for days without difficulty, but God knows better. The easier our life, the weaker our spiritual fiber, for strength of any kind grows only by exertion.

The Christian life is not always an easy life. First, it is a spiritual battle. Our enemy, the Devil, is doing everything he can to discourage us and get us to quit and return to his dominion. Second, life is challenging for the very reason that Criag Brian Larson pointed out: If life is too easy, then we will become weak. Our spiritual muscles, including our faith and trust in the Lord, must be exercised regularly. That is why He allows trials and tribulations to challenge us. We grow in faith as, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we overcome each and every problem.

None of us are immune from problems. In fact, Jesus promised they will come to us. But He also promised that He would help us defeat them. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble (tribulation, distress, suffering, affliction). But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

The Lord instructed Abraham to take his son and offer him up as a burnt offering. How could a father sacrifice his son? Plus, God promised that Abraham would be the father of a great nation that would bless the nations of the world. How does that happen if he has to kill his only son? But Abraham had Great faith. He told his servants, “We (meaning both he and Isaac) will worship and then we will come back to you” (Genesis 22:5). He assured Isaac, “God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering” (Genesis 22:8). Though it appeared to be an “impossible” situation, Abraham chose to put all his faith and trust in the Lord. He chose to put His faith in the One he could not see, instead of just in the circumstances that he could see. May you and I do the same!

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This Sunday, January 18, we will continue our new series entitled “Step Out in Faith!” This Sunday? “Abraham: Faith to Begin a Nation!” (Hebrews 11:8-19). Please invite someone to join you in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We Livestream every Sunday to both locations and would love to have you join us!

Reminder: Be sure to check out the online midweek Bible Study. It is uploaded every Wednesday afternoon to our website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel. Also, please join us for Bible Study this and every Sunday morning at 9:30am. There are two classes for children, one for youth, and one for adults. (The current topic for the Adult Class is the “Joy of Belonging” classes. If you are new to Honolulu Assembly of God and/or are curious about church membership then these valuable classes are for you.) Be blessed and grow in your Christian life by studying the Bible together!

Coming Up: “Girl Time Lunch & Fun” for all the ladies is Saturday, February 7, at 11:30am. Bring a friend or two plus something delicious to add to the table. Our next Drive-Through Prayer outreach in the parking lot is also that day, from 11am-1pm.

Aloha ke Akua!