You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. – Matthew 16:18
Winds blowing from a single direction over the earth are called prevailing winds. Where they meet up are called convergence zones. If you have been outside in strong winds, then you know they are a powerful force. In the life of every child of God, as well as in His Church, there are seasons of testing – times when you must stand against the prevailing winds of a godless culture and hostile world system.
In both the Old and New Testaments, the words translated “test” usually means “to prove by trial.“ As God leads His people along the path of eternal life, the deceiver, Satan, “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). And there is a convergence! When the Holy Spirit comes against the destructive will of evil, only one force will prevail.
Very few like the idea that God permits difficulty to come into the lives of His children or His Church, but it is a reality. “The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the LORD tests hearts” (Proverbs 17:3). Yes, God allows tests, not so He can know your strength (He already knows!) but so you may see His. The resurrection power of Jesus Christ is stronger than any scheme from hell. Your faith grounded in His power means you may stand regardless of the winds that blow.
Pray for God’s people in America to rely on Him and remain faithful in times of testing. Ask that believers will stand firm in faith, confident in the power of the risen Christ, and be a light to those who don’t know Him.
Today’s Verse: Matthew 16:18
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 Peter 1:3-7
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
