Succeeding as a Believer
Most would agree that the trends we’re seeing in the world today are troubling. Radical Islam is on the rise, and Bible believers are being persecuted throughout this world. Many western and democratic countries are passing laws, including the United States, restricting freedom of religion. In addition, traditional marriage and values are under attack, along with many other unfavorable developments.
What we’re witnessing today will only get worse with time. It’s entirely possible that these current trends will usher in the Tribulation and the Second Coming of our Savior, Yahshua the Messiah.
For this reason, now is not the time to be spiritually asleep or negligent with our faith. It’s more important than ever before that we strengthen our faith and devotion. Even though many are facing different challenges and trials, few know the meaning of true persecution.
If and when this day comes to our time, as believers we must be strong and courageous. To achieve such discipline, we will be reviewing the following lessons:
• First and foremost, we need to know and understand the One we worship;
• We must be strong in faith and courage;
• We must be willing to make a distinction in our behavior and worship; and,
• We must keep life in perspective and always maintain proper balance. Each of these points is crucial to remain strong and overcome as a believer. They will provide us the strength and character to persevere.
Discover Yahweh’s Splendor
To begin with, let’s consider the greatness and immensity of the One we worship. The Old Testament in 1Chronicles 29:11-13 provides a glimpse of Yahweh’s splendor: “Thine, O Yahweh, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Yahweh, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our Elohim, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.”
Our Father Yahweh is above all! He is the greatest and all power, glory, and majesty on earth and in the heavens belongs to Him. Possibly the best illustration of our Father’s awesome power is this universe.
For thousands of years man has looked to the heavens to understand Yahweh’s creation. Today we have massive telescopes, but even with these we comprehend only a small fraction of what this universe offers. Its complexity is far beyond man’s comprehension.
Consider the following: it’s believed the number of atoms in the universe is somewhere around 10 to the 78th power. This is 10 with 78 zeros after it. Such a number is beyond our grasp.
The believed diameter of the known universe is 93 billion light years. A light year is the distance light travels in a year. In miles, this number is 5.87849981 x 10 to the 12th power. It’s estimated that the Milky Way galaxy contains 200-400 billion stars. Overall, it’s believed that this universe contains around 100 billion galaxies.
This should give all reason to pause and consider the greatness of our Father in heaven. It’s important we realize that all of this came into existence through the power of our Creator, Almighty Yahweh. If He can design and create such a vast universe, surely He’s capable of seeing His people through life’s problems.
Saying that, it’s important also to realize that sometimes it’s His will that we suffer. The Apostle Paul had a “thorn in his flesh” and prayed three times that Yahweh would remove it. Yahweh never did and Paul soon realized that he was made strong through that thorn or weakness.
The fact remains, though, our Father in heaven is bigger than anything in this universe; He is in control of the smallest atom to the largest galaxy.
Even though this world can be a chaotic place, as long as we remember that we serve an awesome El, nothing should discourage us or pull us away from the faith. There’s nothing beyond His power or control – He is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent.
Obedience Brings Blessings
Another way of succeeding as a believer is by obeying our Father in heaven. Deuteronomy 30 says that we’re blessed when we follow His commandments. “See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love Yahweh thy Elohim, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and Yahweh thy Elohim shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it,” verses 15-16.
As believers, it’s imperative to understand that there are consequences for how we live. If we live a life of righteousness after Yahweh’s commandments, we’ll be blessed and prosperous in this life and more importantly, in the life to come. However, if we choose to rebel and ignore His Word, we will not find life, but death.
Yahweh’s commandments are for the good of mankind. As our Creator, He’s established a natural order in this universe and His commandments are the guide to achieving success in this order.
For example, He’s given commandments regulating our diet. He tells us to avoid things such as shellfish and swine, which medical science is now finding are a detriment to human health.
Dr. Rex Russell in his book, What the Bible says About Healthy Eating, says, “One reason for [Yahweh’s] rule forbidding pork is that the digestive system of a pig is completely different from that of a cow. It is similar to ours, in that the stomach is very acidic. Pigs are gluttonous, never knowing when to stop eating. Their stomach acids become diluted because of the volume of food, allowing all kinds of vermin to pass through this protective barrier. Parasites, bacteria, viruses and toxins can pass into the pig’s flesh because of overeating. These toxins and infectious agents can be passed on to humans when they eat a pig’s flesh,” pp. 76-77.
As Yahweh designed, these meats are a detriment to man’s health. So in this case when we obey Him, we’re more likely to maintain better health.
Yahweh also established marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman, Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:6. If you consider the impact of divorce that we’re seeing in this nation, whether that be single parent homes or broken families, there should be no wonder why He says what He does.
Based on data from the 2010 census, one-third or a total of 15 million children are without a father in the home. Statistics have shown that a child suffers emotionally and socially without the influence of a father. Consider the following statistics:
● 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes – 5 times the average (U.S. Dept. of Health/Census).
● 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes – 32 times the average.
● 85% of all children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes – 20 times the average (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
● 80% of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes –14 times the average (Justice & Behavior, Vol. 14, p. 403-26).
● 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes – nine times the average (National Principals Association Report, thefatherlessgeneration.wordpress.com).
Everything our Heavenly Father says in His Word is for our good. The problem is most people are simply too stubborn to listen. It’s amazing, though, how many of these same people will ask, “Why are these things happening?” Even though the truth is obvious to the sincere seeker, they’re blind to it.
Acts 5:32 provides another benefit for obedience. It reads, “And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Spirit, whom Elohim hath given to them that obey him.”
The Bible declares that the ruach ha qodesh, i.e., Holy Spirit, is given to those who follow Yahweh’s Word. Now, what benefits do we find through our Father’s Spirit? It brings us into deeper truths and helps us change from whom we are today into how we should be based on Yahweh’s will. It also gives us wisdom to rightly apply our Father’s Word. Finally, it offers encouragement and strength in times of need and trouble.
Blessings Through Faith
Succeeding as a believer also demands faith. Before we explore why faith is important, let’s first understand the meaning of faith. Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The author of Hebrews tells us that faith is believing or having a conviction in something that can’t be seen. In this case, it’s a conviction for our Heavenly Father, Yahweh, who Scripture says is invisible and immortal.
Verse 6 goes on to explain why this characteristic is so important: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to Elohim must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
We can’t please Yahweh without faith. We must believe in Him and His promises, including His promise of everlasting life in His Kingdom. If we don’t believe in these promises, then our faith is not genuine and not pleasing to the One we worship.
Because faith is a belief and conviction in our Creator, it should be obvious why it’s essential in remaining strong as a believer. Without the promise of the resurrection and His Kingdom, what would be the motivation to follow Him? Yahweh has promised all this and much more in His Word; all we must do is believe and follow Him.
Have Courage to Overcome
Another important attribute in succeeding as a believer is courage. John Wayne once said, “Courage is being scared to death… and saddling up anyway.” In essence, courage is responding even in those moments when we’re afraid. In other words, courage is not allowing fear to control our response.
In the first chapter of Joshua, Yahweh commands the Israelite leader to remain strong and courageous: “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for Yahweh thy Elohim is with thee whithersoever thou goest,” 1:7-9.
Yahweh told Joshua to obey His commandments so that he would have success. As confirmed in Deuteronomy, when we follow His commandments we’re going to be blessed.
Second, Yahweh tells Joshua to be strong and of good courage and not to be afraid. There’s a connection between faith and courage. To achieve either one we must believe in Yahweh and in His promises. If we have a deep faith in our Heavenly Father then even death should not concern us. The Bible promises that for those who lose their lives for His sake will find them in the life to come.
Like faith, courage requires that we are resolute in our conviction of Yahweh and willing to do whatever is necessary to remain true to Him. If we allow fear to control us, then we may never achieve the goal of everlasting life.
Yahweh gave this key message to Joshua, the son of Nun. This man had the task of not only leading a nation, but doing so during a time of conquest. He was going to war for the nation of Israel and for Almighty Yahweh. Yahweh knew that this would require strength and courage like never before. He would risk everything to obey the One he worshiped.
If indeed Yahshua’s coming is closer than what many realize, we as believers will require this same level of courage and faith as this time approaches.
Yahshua in His Olivet Prophecy stated that the Great Tribulation would be the worst time this world has ever and will ever see. Nothing will rival the sin, depravity, and the persecution that this world will experience prior to Yahshua’s coming. The challenges that we go through today are nothing compared to the tribulation we might see in the days to come. Joshua showed courage and strength against nations and peoples greater than he. Can we do the same?
Show a Difference
Another key in succeeding as a believer is to show a distinction. Paul conveys this message in 2Corinthians 6: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Messiah with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of Elohim with idols? for ye are the temple of the living Elohim,” verses 14-16a.
The Apostle Paul asks, “What concord has Messiah with Belial?” The word “Belial” here is a euphemism for Satan the devil. There is no greater contrast than that between Yahshua the Messiah and the Evil One.
We don’t have to look hard to see sin in the world today. In the last few decades we’ve seen a lot of change in this nation. Many no longer know what is morally right in this day and age. The concept of absolute morality has been thrown out the window. Today’s belief in diversity and political correctness has replaced biblical standards.
It seems that everything we read in the Bible regarding immorality is happening today, including the acceptance of sodomy and a complete disregard for Yahweh’s commanded standards.
As we find in the fifth chapter of Isaiah, they now call evil good and good evil. We may very well be witnessing the final collapse of biblical values in this nation. This is why it’s so important that we make a distinction between us and this world.
Just because we live in the world doesn’t mean that we live like the world. We must show a difference in what we watch, what we listen to, how we behave, and most importantly, how we worship! We will not be found worthy if we don’t come out of this world.
Never Lose Perspective
Another key in succeeding as a believer is keeping a right perspective. In Psalm 103:15 we find a fact about life that is true for all people. It reads, “As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.”
David compares the life of man to a flower in the field. For some, 70 or 80 years seems like a long time. Truth be told, man’s life goes by very quickly. Before we know it, we’re at the end of our days and there’s no way to get that time back. There’s no way to rewind the clock or to redo what we did.
For this reason we must keep in mind that this life is not the only life. While this life is short and transitory, the life to come is forever.
How many decisions do we make every day with this thought in mind? Many people are so caught up in the day-to-day that they completely forget about why we’re here and what’s most important.
Is it more important that we work to excess to get ahead, or spend time with our families? Is it more important that we take a vacation or attend Yahweh’s appointed Feasts? Is it more important that we buy that big screen TV or support our Father’s work through our tithes and offerings?
Life is all about setting priorities and keeping perspective on what’s most important. Yahweh remembers what we put first in our lives. Before we know it our days will be over and the record of our lives will be established for all eternity.
What should the believer be focused on? Solomon, in the last chapter of Ecclesiastes, provides one answer. He says, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear Elohim, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For Elohim shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil,” 12:13-14.
How does Solomon define the whole of man? Obey the commandments and fear our Heavenly Father. To be found worthy as a believer we must obey Yahweh and always remember to show Him fear and reverence. If we do these things, not only will we overcome this world, but we’ll find blessings in this life and in the life to come.
Maintain Proper Balance
Now the last key in succeeding as a believer is maintaining balance. In the Old Testament, Solomon prayed for divine wisdom. Because his heart was right, we know that Yahweh blessed this man with incredible wisdom. The Bible says that he had more wisdom than all those in the east and in Egypt.
Solomon in Ecclesiastes 7:16 speaks about balance. In the New International Version it reads, “Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise – why destroy yourself? Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool – why die before your time? It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. The man who fears [Elohim] will avoid all [extremes].”
The word “overrighteous” here likely refers to self-righteousness. What are some of the attributes of a person who is self-righteous? To name a few: arrogance, a lack of compassion, a sense of entitlement, an unwillingness to admit wrong. The online Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines this word as, “convinced of one’s own righteousness especially in contrast with the actions and beliefs of others.”
In essence, this is why our Savior reprimanded the scribes and Pharisees in the New Testament. These people had the written law down to a science, but through their self-righteousness they lost that which was most important. They forgot about things like love, mercy, and faith, and because of that Yahshua chastised them for their hypocrisy.
As believers, it’s not only our actions by which we’ll be judged, but the motives behind our actions. As believers we can physically do all the right things and yet in the end fall short. We must ensure that our life is balanced according to our Father’s Word.
Solomon closes here by saying that the man who fears Yahweh will avoid all extremes. In other words, we should not venture to the right or left, but remain on that narrow path. While we are to obey, we must not be pharisaical in that obedience. It’s all about striking a balance in our walk as believers.
This world is becoming worse by the day. We’re seeing an increase in crime, sin, and immorality. If we’re going to succeed as believers and please Yahweh, then we need to be resolute in our faith and devotion. If we find something in our Father’s Word that we’re not doing now, we must make that change. It’s about serving Him, following Him, obeying Him, and making Him the center of our lives.
As Yahshua told the Laodicean assembly – be either hot or cold, but not lukewarm. Going part-way as disciples of Yahshua will never be enough. Either we’re all in or we’re all out. Yahweh will not accept half-hearted commitment. He has big plans for His people and He wants only those with total dedication who will one day rule in His Kingdom.
by: Randy Folliard
