Chrysostom
Beloved of All
You ask for extra strong protection and breakthrough, and rightly so, for we have need of strong armor and a noble spirit, and above all we need a Commander. The Commander is standing by, ever ready to help us, and has furnished us with strong arms. But we must have a purpose of mind to handle them as we should, that we may obey our Commander and take the field. Do not think this protection comes without a struggle; the body may be made an arm of righteousness, but there is a hard warfare at hand. So entreat Him urgently, as the disciples were brought to an urgent need of entreating, and He will supply.
Yet protection and breakthrough demand from you a faith that is strong, not staggering at the promises, even when nature holds out no hope. The believer requires more power than one who merely works, for he must thrust aside the suggestions of unbelief. Give glory to God, and do not lean on your own reasonings. Truth makes even ordinary men bold; falsehood shows the strong to be weak. Therefore, when doubt assails, speak with the boldness of a beggar before scribes and Pharisees, because truth is your shield.
Remember too that you are not alone. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you.” In the body of Christ, the weaker parts enjoy greater honor, and we bear one another’s burdens. Go continually into the tranquil harbor of the church, where the prayers and admonitions of the brethren may purge away every stain and calm the raging waters. There you will find the breakthrough you seek, not by pomp of words but by a soul made strong through the Scriptures and powerful thoughts.
Finally, understand that God, standing in no need of anything from us, yet created us. He does not need our entreaty, yet He invites it. So come boldly, not as one who gives to a needy God, but as a beggar before the all-sufficient One. Hold fast to faith, obey your Commander, and you will find that the protection you ask is already provided in the strong arms He has given.
Yet protection and breakthrough demand from you a faith that is strong, not staggering at the promises, even when nature holds out no hope. The believer requires more power than one who merely works, for he must thrust aside the suggestions of unbelief. Give glory to God, and do not lean on your own reasonings. Truth makes even ordinary men bold; falsehood shows the strong to be weak. Therefore, when doubt assails, speak with the boldness of a beggar before scribes and Pharisees, because truth is your shield.
Remember too that you are not alone. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you.” In the body of Christ, the weaker parts enjoy greater honor, and we bear one another’s burdens. Go continually into the tranquil harbor of the church, where the prayers and admonitions of the brethren may purge away every stain and calm the raging waters. There you will find the breakthrough you seek, not by pomp of words but by a soul made strong through the Scriptures and powerful thoughts.
Finally, understand that God, standing in no need of anything from us, yet created us. He does not need our entreaty, yet He invites it. So come boldly, not as one who gives to a needy God, but as a beggar before the all-sufficient One. Hold fast to faith, obey your Commander, and you will find that the protection you ask is already provided in the strong arms He has given.
