Sep 25, 20232 min read

Day 160 - Remain Committed to Your Faith, Strong in Your Beliefs

May you always remain committed to your faith, strong in your beliefs, and with an unending desire to fight for God.

The book of 1 Maccabees is not found in every Bible. Interestingly, though, the Books of Maccabees tell us about strong people, Judah Maccabee and his four brothers and those they led in their fight for freedom from the oppression of King Antiochus and his followers. These people were fiercely determined to set the Jewish people free so they could worship and live as they wanted to. They defeated King Antiochus's army and then had to again when the King's Son continued the war. Judah Maccabee and Israel went through many battles, betrayals, and periods of falling into sin before Jonathan became the leader of the Jewish people and ultimately a judge who eliminated many traitors from Israel. Through his work, he brought a period of peace to his people.

Some men fought bravely for the Lord and his people within Israel throughout the Bible. Their will and determination seem beyond compare in their dedication and bravery to what we face as ordinary people today. It is so difficult to understand how they managed to keep going. Their struggles were life and death. To remain committed to their faith, strong in their beliefs, and with an unending desire to fight for the Lord and his people.

In comparison, it seems like so little is asked of us today. Our lives are so easy yet some hesitate at the thought of doing more for our faith. Remind yourself to remain committed to your faith, strong in your beliefs, and with an unending desire to fight for God.

Prayer:

God, I pray for the strength and wisdom of my ancestors. I pray to develop the commitment to address the wrongs in this world continually. To make a difference every day. I may not have to be a warrior in battle, but I need to have a warrior's faith that the action is worthy and the result will free someone or something to live the life they are destined to. I hear your call and await your guidance on what I should do to serve. I ask only for the Holy Spirit's nudge and the courage to respond. Amen.