(First Published 09/05/2011) This is a very timely message for me right now, as I work on my next book, The Demon Slayers Hankbook. The struggles may have changed, but the King is still on the throne!
Blessings Family!
You know you are doing something right, if you are under attack.
A week before the scheduled launch of this blog, my thirteen-year-old son left our home and decided he wanted nothing to do me. I was in shock. The pain in my heart was paralizing, making me think about putting my blog on the back burner.
Then my little voice, A.K.A., the Holy Spirit, said, “That’s just what the enemy wants.”
This word of wisdom sparked that part of me that hates manipulation, and I opened my computer and got to work. It was like walking into a hurricane wind, but this blog was a task God had put before me, and I was determined to see it through.
It has been a long summer of personal attacks, legal battles, and heartbreak, and today has been another hurricane day, but I am here. Doing what God asked me to do.
1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (NKJV)
Most Christians leave it at that and retreat into the shadows to hide. But that is not the end of the matter. Not by a long shot.
You see, it was God who created the adversary, and He did it for a purpose. His purpose.
Isaiah 45:7:
“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” (KJV)
Job 1:12:
“And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.” (KJV)
1 Samuel 18:10:
“And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house…” (KJV)
Some Christians believe that God only allows evil into your life when you sin. But, Malachi reveals another purpose.
Malachi 3:3:
“And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.” (NKJV)
Let me remind you, friends that the tribe of Levi are the priesthood of God—Those who share the Gospel .
That is why James said,
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 (NKJV)
Yes, Satan has a plan—John 10:10:
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” But, God’s plan is greater, “…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (NKJV)
I think Joseph said it best in Genesis 50:20:
“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (NKJV)
Satan was created by God, for a purpose, and he too is subject to God. And, by the way, through Christ, Satan is also subject to you, not the other way around!
Luke 10:19;
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (NKJV)
Satan knows just where to attack. He knows where you are weak. He does not want you to accomplish the work God has set before you, and he can make it extremely difficult at times.
But, just as with any bad habit or addiction, obedience in adversity is a choice.
Do I curl up in defeat, or do I believe God’s promises and let the blood of Christ make me an over comer?
I choose obedience. I choose to believe.
1 John 4:4:
“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (NKJV)
Romans 8:34:
“Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” (NKJV)
So, if trials in your life are making it difficult to focus on God and the task He has set before you, REJOICE! Praise the Lord! You must be doing something right!
Just keep your eyes upon Jesus! Get into the Word. Get down on your knees—if you can’t find the words to pray, the Holy Spirit will pray for you,
Romans 8:26:
“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;” (NKJV)
Reach out to your faith family, and let them pray you through.
In short, tell Satan where to get off.
James 4:7:
“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (NKJV)
It isn’t easy. But you won’t be walking into hurricane winds alone.
Isaiah 59:19:
“…When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.” (NKJV)
You are a child of the King, the victory is yours. Believe it!
God’s grace and peace be yours,
Rebecca
