GodspromisesRyes said:
What truly is being shown here is where peoples faith is at. Where is the Truth that GOD can preserve our lives? It is clear here that the only possiblity being considered by most is either i protect myself and others or we all die. Where is the faith in God? Where do we depend on HIM to keep our lives that HE BOUGHT with His blood? We are not our own. We are bought with a price. We are the temple of the living God- Cannot God protect His own temple? Cannot God deliver? Cannot God redeem? Cannot God hear us if we call out of HIM for help in a situation as this? Everyone acts as if not defending oneself or others by fleshly means, leaves nothing left but to die and let others be raped. No one even considers they could call our " Jesus deliver us!" or something of the sort. That is because people do not believe that God really hears us and answers. They dont believe that Gods promises and word holds true. Or that God is willing to actually intervene for us. Is your God off the throne? Is He asleep? Does He not care for you more then sparrows and lillies? Are His promises not good? What form of God do you have if you do not desire and find Him worthy to lean on with everything and everyone? Why do you find YOUR power, weapon, arm mightier to deliver then HIS?
To GodsPromisesRyes and to all reading,
I don't think this description of the hearts of believers on this board is accurate. I think we are all relying on God to lead us and keep us according to His will. I think most are not even expecting God to preserve their life, but are willing to lay their lives down. We can accuse others of lacking faith when we don't agree, but who truly knows one's measure of faith, but God? As believers we do believe God, we are walking in the Spirit, and we do trust in His power.
All of us would be praying to God in that moment, I believe, especially for deliverance, but that wouldn't prevent some of us from letting the children out to safety, or putting ouselves between them and an intruder, or even trying to defend them. Laying your life down to protect someone from being harmed is loving. We can be used by God, we can act according to the Spirit. How do we know what, or whom, God will use to bring about His will? God does use people to carry out His plans, and so why not a Father, or a mother, or a husband, etc.? No one is advocating murder or vengence, or not trusting the Lord in faith, people are simply saying that love would lead them to protect others, according to God's will and grace. Of course, none of us can say for sure until we are in that moment and the Holy Spirit is leading us.
I hope no one reading here feels shamed, or feels that they lack faith in Jesus, or that are denying God's power because they think they would act to protect others. It's obvious we all may disagree on method, but certainly as believers we are all motivated by the same faith and love in Jesus, and that we all desire to do God's will. If one is led to pray only, then he should obey. If another is led to act, then he should obey and act. Who knows the future, or how the Holy Spirit would lead? When we had an intruder as I described in an earlier post, I acted, and God protected us. When I was a very young woman, I was attacked, and while I didn't have time to act, I prayed the whole night. Though I suffered, my life was spared. I was a believer both times, and I believe God led me both times, and I believe that God used these things to build up my faith, but He never condemned me for lacking faith.
I think we also have to consider that it just may be the Lord's will that we die, or that we suffer, and that calling out to Him or acting to protect our families, will not change His will if He has other plans for us. It truly is up to Him, and we need to be given over to His will.
The Lord bless.
