We Struggle Just Like You Do

Last month we went to Moldova with two other women as part of a five-member team to once again speak and sing for the 5th Annual Moldova Ladies Conference in Chisinau, Moldova.  The conference was held at Crossover Moldova’s Missionary Training Center.  During our eight days there, in addition to the conference, we also had the privilege of going into two villages and sing and speak about living victoriously by putting on the full armor of God.

We not only shared from God’s word, but we also shared from our own life experiences how God has helped us.  We shared about struggles with taking care of our elderly parents, being the moms of teenagers, and making ends meet financially.  Many times we heard the Moldova women say how they were surprised to hear we had some of the same struggles that they do.  No matter where we live, what we look like, or how old we are, we all have struggles in life.

In Ephesians 6:10-20 Paul reminds us we need to make use of the “weapons” God has given us:  the Belt of Truth and the Breastplate of Righteouness (verse 14); the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace (verse 15); the Shield of Faith (verse 16); the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit (verse 17).  No matter what part of the world you live in, if you are a believer and make use of these “weapons” God has given you, then you can be victorious.

Paul goes on to encourage us to pray for one another.  The Message, a modern language translation of the Bible, puts verses 13-18 this way:

Be prepared.  You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own.  Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet.  Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words.  Learn how to apply them.  You’ll need them throughout your life.  God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare.  Pray hard and long.  Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open.  Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

That part about keeping each other’s spirits up is so great!  We need to pray for one another and encourage one another.  We were never meant to do this life alone.  As believers, we have the Holy Spirit living in us, and then God also has given us a family of believers here on earth to pray for us, encourage us, and strengthen us in the faith.  What a blessing.

So, just in case you were wondering, the members of One Purpose struggle just like you do.  Pray for us!  We covet your prayers.  We would love to pray for you, too.  Let us know how we can pray for you by emailing us at onepurpose@crossoverusa.org.