Grain & Embers 1/6/25

In our journey of faith, we often encounter challenges that test our resolve and push us to grow. The book of Acts, particularly chapter 14, offers profound insights into how we can navigate these trials while staying true to our calling as followers of Christ.

The early apostles, as they spread the message of Jesus, faced intense opposition. Yet, they spoke with such conviction and authority that "a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed." This powerful testimony reminds us that when we speak God's truth boldly, it has the potential to transcend cultural and religious barriers.

However, with this authority comes a great responsibility. As we see in Acts 14, when Paul healed a crippled man in Lystra, the crowd mistook him and Barnabas for gods. Their immediate response was to tear their garments and cry out, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of like nature with you." This humility in the face of undue praise is a crucial lesson for all believers.

It's a delicate balance - embracing the authority given to us by Christ while maintaining a posture of humility. As John 3:30 beautifully puts it, "He must increase, but I must decrease." This should be our constant motto as we serve God and others.

But what does it mean to walk in this God-given authority? It's about recognizing that "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). Too often, we forget the power that resides within us through the Holy Spirit. We accept darkness, deception, and spiritual attacks as normal, when in fact, we have been given the authority to resist and overcome them.

Consider the story of Samuel, an elderly man with a white handlebar mustache, who rarely spoke but carried immense spiritual authority. In a moment of divine insight, he grabbed a struggling pastor (me) by the shirt and declared with intense volume, "Son, don't you lean on your own understanding!" Samuel was referencing Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

This incident illustrates a profound truth: our authority increases as our humility deepens. It's not about asserting ourselves, but about submitting to God and allowing His power to work through us.

As we navigate life's challenges, it's crucial to understand that many of our struggles have spiritual roots. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." Recognizing this reality empowers us to approach our trials with spiritual weapons rather than merely natural solutions.

Take, for instance, the concept of "word curses" - damaging words spoken over us by authority figures that can haunt us for years. While not explicitly mentioned in Scripture, this phenomenon aligns with biblical examples about the power of words. The key to breaking free from such curses isn't found in medication or therapy alone, but in the supernatural act of forgiveness.

This brings us to a critical point: attempting to resolve supernatural trials with natural means will only produce natural results. However, when we engage supernatural challenges with supernatural solutions, we open the door to miraculous outcomes.

The apostle Paul's life exemplifies this truth. Despite facing intense persecution, including being stoned and left for dead, he rose up and continued his ministry. He understood that "through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). This perspective helps us reframe our hardships not as obstacles, but as opportunities for spiritual growth and dependence on God.

Moreover, Paul and Barnabas' ministry reminds us of the importance of community in our spiritual journey. They appointed elders in every church, recognizing the need for spiritual leadership and accountability. This underscores a vital truth: while our relationship with Jesus is personal, it's not meant to be independent. We need the family of God to support, encourage, and sometimes challenge us.

In fact, the church community plays a crucial role in our healing and growth. While our families of origin may have caused wounds, it's often within the family of God that we find healing and reformation. This requires vulnerability - a willingness to share our struggles and seek prayer and support from fellow believers.

As we reflect on these truths, let's consider how we can apply them in our lives:

1. Embrace your God-given authority: Remember that through Christ, you have power over darkness. Don't passively accept spiritual attacks or negative thought patterns as normal.

2. Cultivate humility: As you walk in authority, maintain a humble heart. Always redirect praise and glory to God.

3. Approach trials spiritually: When facing challenges, consider their spiritual roots. Pray, seek wisdom from Scripture, and engage in spiritual warfare when necessary.

4. Forgive freely: If you're carrying the weight of hurtful words or past wounds, choose to forgive. It's a powerful spiritual act that can break chains of bondage.

5. Engage with community: Don't try to navigate your spiritual journey alone. Seek out mature believers, be vulnerable about your struggles, and allow others to pray for and support you.

6. Persevere through trials: Like Paul, understand that difficulties are often part of our spiritual growth. Trust that God is working even in your hardest moments.

As we step into this empowered yet humble way of living, we position ourselves to experience the fullness of what God has for us. We become salt and light in a world desperately in need of hope, truth, and love. May we courageously embrace our authority in Christ, humbly serve others, and continually seek to decrease so that He may increase in our lives.

stay salty. be bright.

Pastor Luke