Training for Victory: How Faith Shines in Dark Times
In his latest message, evangelist and author John Ramirez emphasizes the critical need for believers to strengthen their faith in challenging times. Drawing from his upcoming book, “Exposing the Devil’s Playbook,” Ramirez likens the Christian walk to the story of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, who was trained to swim in complete darkness with leaking goggles. This highlights how believers must exercise their faith even when they can’t see the way forward.
“Faith in dark times,” Ramirez explains, “is where we need to shine the most.”
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Just as Phelps was able to break world records due to his training and dedication, Christians are called to persevere through seasons of spiritual darkness, trusting in God’s preparation and provision. Ramirez stresses that faith is not just a feeling but a muscle that needs to be trained through trials. Drawing from James 1:2-4, which encourages believers to “count it all joy” when they face trials, Ramirez teaches that these moments refine faith, preparing Christians to overcome the enemy’s schemes.
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In chapter 6 of his new book, ‘Faith in Dark Times,’ Ramirez emphasizes the spiritual warfare that believers face, warning that the devil seeks to “fragment your faith” and distort it with “a religious spirit.” Ephesians 6:12 reminds Christians that their battle is “not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world.” Ramirez’ message is clear: the devil uses confusion and trials to shake faith, but God allows these moments to strengthen His people.
“When God turns off the lights on your season,” Ramirez says, “it was God that turned off the light, not the devil.” By maintaining faith, Christians prove their trust in God, knowing that He is training them for victory. Ramirez reminds believers that they are like “gold medalists” in the kingdom of Christ, equipped to win against the forces of darkness.
As Ephesians 6:16 instructs, believers must take up the shield of faith, with which they can “extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” In the face of spiritual warfare, Ramirez urges Christians to put their faith into action, trusting that God has prepared them for victory, even in the darkest of times.
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
