The Battle Is On!!
One of the things that I have observed over the last couple of weeks is the intensity of the spiritual warfare that is taken place in the body of Christ!
Many of my friends online and offline, have been attacked every way that you can think of. Physically, emotionally, spiritually, heaviness, depression, wanting to give up, to quit, to just pack it in.
Anyone who is pursuing the Lord are always prime targets. The enemy only takes aim at moving targets. Those who are moving forward in their calling, using their gifts of writing, singing, worship, praise, teaching, ministering, those in the work force, families, husbands and wives,are under attack.
If there is one thing the enemy wants to do, is to discourage us. To keep us from moving forward, to convince us that what we are doing will have no effect, and the very fact that he is telling us that, should make us wise up and realize that it is he who is trying to deceive us and trip us up.
In The Message Bible we read: “After all, we don’t want to unwittingly give Satan an opening for yet more mischief–we’re not oblivious to his sly ways!” II Corinthians 2:11.
The Amplified Bible says:“so that we shall not be taken advantage of by Satan, for we are not unaware of his schemes.” II Corinthians 2:11
This is the time that we really need to press in, to realize it is the enemy trying to intimidate us because he knows the words we write, the words that we speak, are life giving words, that as we share the word, the life changing power of the word, of the heart of God. It upsets the enemy.
He does not want us to speak words of encouragement, of exhortation, words that gives strength and hope to others in their relationship with the Lord. That we are sharing out of what has been made real in our lives, that others will see that which the Lord has done in our lives and know that we can walk in new life, that they will see the Christ within, that lives in you and me.
So take heart my friends! It is time for God’s people to rise up in the strength and power of the Lord. To apply the word of the Lord to our lives and to be His instruments, to be used for His purpose, to write, to share, to sing, to praise, to worship with a heart touched by the Hand of God.
We are all under attack, the enemy is throwing everything He can at you, but we have to choose, even in the midst of the battles, the dark nights of the soul, to rise up in the Lord, to lift up our brothers and sisters in the Lord, to take our eyes off ourselves and stand in rank together.
Whither in prayer, in writing, in exhortation and encouragements, in whatever the Lord has called us to do, He is calling us to be strong, to fear not and be not afraid because He goes before us. He has already prepared the way.
The battle is the Lord’s and the enemy knows that!
October 26th, 2005 at 07:26
Your remarks are so timely, for me anyway. I feel the Lord through recent events, pointing out that the times (at least in my life), that are most apt to be times of attack are those anniversaries of other events of the past. For instance, the 24th would have been the 51st birthday of my dear brother who was killed by a drunk driver so many years ago. In my life, most of the attacks come at the hands of relatives…and I do not think the relative the other day even remembered the date…but I felt that the Lord wanted me to realize this so I can be more spiritually prepared at these times…to know I am going to need HIM more then, than on ordinary days even! Not sure this makes sense…but it helped me to “see” the “unseen war” and the whys, so hopefully the next time I will be better prepared. And for me, that means being quiet and not responding to the person attacking me. It diffuses the fire.
Blessings and keep on sharing…it is meaningful to us who are your readers! Thanks again!!
Elizabeth
October 26th, 2005 at 09:30
AMEN!! Your post Paul is exactly how I have been feeling for several weeks now. I feel like I am drained spiritually…Like I lost my zest for God. I hate it! I’m reminded of the song Onward Christian Soldier
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings!! God Bless!
October 26th, 2005 at 10:24
Amen, Paul! I agree that Christians are under fire! We are constantly in war and we need to remember that. We also need to remember that God has given us the armor we need to protect us if we will just put it on. It’s great to know that we have strength in numbers and that the Lord has already won the battle.
October 26th, 2005 at 10:49
Hi Paul,
This is sort of off the subject, but since you are at Starbucks all the time, have you heard of all the hoopla caused because they have chosen to put a quote on their cups from Rick Warren of “The Purpose Driven Life”? I was on a blog, and read about it, and it seemed like those bloggers thought it was kind of annoying that there would be “religion” on the cups, actually one of them was somewhat offended. This will be the first time Starbucks has given air to someone of the “God religion”. I bantered with them for awhile, in regards to why they find it objectionable for something about God on a cup, when everyday there are things on the cup from athiests, evolutionists, etc. You get my point. I personally never read the stuff on the cup, but was thinking “kudo’s to Starbucks for giving a godly person the right to be heard”. Freedom of speech should apply to all, not just those in the secular world.
October 26th, 2005 at 11:02
Good point Paul. When we find our strength in the Lord, there is no reason to run.
October 26th, 2005 at 12:11
You shared,
“Anyone who is pursuing the Lord are always prime targets. The enemy only takes aim at moving targets. Those who are moving forward in their calling, using their gifts of writing, singing, worship, praise, teaching, ministering, those in the work force, families, husbands and wives,are under attack.”
This is well said. Moving targets. The enemy doesn’t care too much about those he already has sitting in neutral.
“…he knows the words we write, the words that we speak, are life giving words,…”
Yes, and God will use them to bring Himself glory. The enemy is jealous of any glory God receives.
All wonderful said. Thank you, Paul.
October 26th, 2005 at 19:15
Wonderful post, Paul!! You’re right on the mark, as usual. My 12yo has said so many times over the past few months (watching the weather channel usually!) that all the signs are lining up for Jesus to come back.
And it IS very discouraging when we see so many around us being attacked or falling to temptations…and most of us are experiencing it in our own lives!!
But trials are the refining fire. They expose our weak spots, flush out all the impurities and leave us a better vessle in the end.
I know those words are lots easier said when your own heart isn’t breaking….but even so…they’re true. I like LaCresha’s reference to the song Onward Christian Soldiers.
What an appropriate tune for the days we live in!!!!
God bless you!
October 26th, 2005 at 21:43
Thank you dear friend for your ever encouraging words! God has gifted you!!! I am blessed to call you a friend and brother in Christ. I miss our coffee breaks, maybe next week!
Blessings,
October 26th, 2005 at 23:42
I feel like my family is under attack too these days. Sickness will not leave out household. Good post.
October 27th, 2005 at 17:55
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October 27th, 2005 at 19:31
praying for your request…. (hug)
October 27th, 2005 at 19:38
October 27th, 2005 at 20:51
Amen, Paul. Very good post. Also, thanks for moving my link over to your new digs. I suppose they aren’t so new now.
I’ve been very busy, so I’ve missed checking in on several blogs, and I’m blessed that you are still reaching many souls for Christ on a daily basis. God bless you. - Donna
October 27th, 2005 at 22:28
October 27th, 2005 at 23:36
Hi Paul. Yes, it appears that a lot of us Christians are under attack. I wonder if that is just another sign of the times? God bless you!
November 5th, 2005 at 21:00