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And
these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they
have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and have no
root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when
affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they
are offended.
– Mark 4:16-17
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There seems to be an abundance
of "stony ground" Christians these days. Initially, they get excited
about the Word of God. They'll hear a message on prosperity, for
instance, and they'll go home saying, "Hallelujah! I'm going to prosper
in the Name of Jesus!" But then, somehow, things don't work out like
they thought they should.
Their bank balance doesn't double
overnight. They go through some disappointments. They suffer some
criticism. Then, before you know it, their faith has withered away.
If
you don't want that to happen to you, make up your mind right now that
you're not going to let the rough times defeat you. Decide now that
you're going to hang onto the Word even when the persecutions and
afflictions come—because, I can guarantee you, they will come.
When you decide to walk by faith, you don't get rid of trials. You learn to overcome them.
When
you let the Word of God get down into your heart, you're going to learn
more about the devil than you ever wanted to know because he's going to
do his best to see to it that the Word is unfruitful in you. He's going
to be trying to mess you up every time you turn around. You'll have
problems, but the difference is now you have the answer—the Word of God.
Thank
God, however, through Christ Jesus you have the power to defeat Satan.
When he brings problems and disappointments your way, you don't have to
lie down and let them steam roll over you. Just keep fighting the good
fight of faith until you win.
Sure you'll get knocked down
sometimes. But when you do, get back up and say, "Look here, Devil, I'm
not going to let you steal the Word out of my heart. It's in there and
I'm meditating on it. I'm saying it with my mouth, and I'm acting on it
until God's blessings overtake me. If you don't believe me, just hide
and watch!"
If you'll take that attitude, no matter what that devil does, he'll never make a "stony ground" Christian out of you!
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