Standing Firm in Faith: Embracing God’s Victory

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are continually inspired by the stories of faith and deliverance found in the Bible. One such story, as recounted in 2 Chronicles 20, reminds us of the power of standing firm in faith and the miraculous ways God fights our battles. This narrative is not just a historical account but a living testament to how we can approach life’s challenges today.

The Battle Belongs to the Lord

In 2 Chronicles 20, the Israelites faced a formidable enemy, with three armies poised to attack. Overwhelmed and outnumbered, they turned to God in prayer and praise. As they went down to the battlefield, singing praises to God, they witnessed a miraculous turn of events. The enemy armies turned against each other, and by the time the Israelites arrived, the battle was already won. This story illustrates a profound truth: when we place our trust in God, He fights our battles for us.

At Lakeview, we believe that this story is a powerful reminder of our own journey. Whatever challenges we face, whether personal struggles or communal trials, our first response should be to turn to God in prayer and praise. As Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Our Mission: Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us

Our mission at Lakeview Christian Church is to “Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us.” We live out this mission through “Just 3”: Study, Share, and Serve. These principles guide us in our daily walk with Christ and in our interactions with the world around us.

1. Study: To Love and Know God By studying God’s Word, we deepen our understanding of His character and His promises. The Israelites’ story teaches us the importance of knowing God and trusting in His power. As we study the Bible, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness and His ability to deliver us from any situation. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Let us commit to studying Scripture, allowing it to illuminate our lives and guide our steps.
2. Share: To Know and Love Others Sharing our faith is an essential part of our mission. Just as the Israelites’ victory was a testament to God’s power, our lives can be a testimony to His grace and love. By sharing our stories and the gospel, we invite others to experience the transformative power of Jesus. As 1 Peter 3:15 instructs, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
3. Serve: Love in Action Serving others is love in action. The Israelites’ story reminds us that God is the one who fights our battles, but we are called to be His hands and feet in the world. By serving those in need, we demonstrate the love of Christ and fulfill His command to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). Whether through acts of kindness, community outreach, or supporting those in need, we are called to serve with a grateful heart.

Conclusion: A Heart of Gratitude

As we reflect on the story of the Israelites and their miraculous victory, let us cultivate an attitude of gratitude. God has done for us what we could not do for ourselves. In our times of communion and worship, let us give thanks for His faithfulness and His continued presence in our lives.

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are committed to standing firm in faith, trusting in God’s power, and living out our mission to “Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us.” May we approach each day with prayer, praise, and a heart full of gratitude, knowing that God is with us and He is the one who fights our battles. Amen.