Giving up and giving into the external forces of Satan is unnecessary and unwise to do so. Any time a person is doing a work for the Lord, our advisory battles every effort to succeed. Even though the pressure to give up and appease one’s desire for peace and harmony is overwhelming, we must continue the good fight of faith and allow the Holy Spirit to do battle for us.
Though at times it seems prudent to throw in the towel, it is neither expedient, nor sensible to retreat, because the repercussions are worse than the harassment. A person should never compromise their belief system, or faith in God, to open themselves to sinful forces that would like nothing better than to invade the purity of the heart and sanctity of a Christian home.
Instead of relieving the pressures of ministry, as anticipated, the on-slot of Satan becomes more volatile and heart-wrenching as time goes by. Before long, self condemnation beats a person up for not doing what they know to do.
My Dad always said, “Nip it in the bud!” He meant, never allow something to lay hold and set up residence in your life when you can take care of the problem in the beginning. He also believed that a Christian had the power and privilege to, as he put it, “Pray through on a situation.” This meant getting serious with God, through prayer, until the answer came.
It is only natural for stability and welfare of loved ones to rank high in protective instincts and thought processes. So when enough is enough and we’ve tolerated external forces of unpleasantries and objectionable tempests long enough, it is time to roll up our sleeves. No longer do we have to cower or tremble at Satan’s threats. The spiritual well-being of ourselves and those we love is in the hands of God Almighty. We can rebuke the devil in the name of Jesus and not fear his influence in life altering decisions that are made. We fight back!
Though Satan tries to come in like a flood to maim, kill, and destroy God’s children, truth rises above the appearance of danger. It is the “standard” of God’s grace that He, Himself will lift. I believe the standards are righteousness, goodness, decency, honesty, integrity and honor, to name a few; the fruit of the Spirit. In the presence of God’s standard, evil must to flee!
The flood may appear to be rising, but this is not the time to retreat in fear, tiredness and doubt. Giving into Satan’s roar-of-threats is not the answer. The answers are found in the Bible.
(James 4:7) “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (Isaiah 59:19) “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” (Romans 5:20) “But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.”
It does not state in the Bible that it is our responsibility to lift the standard. It states that God will. We need only to stand and believe that He will do so and then watch it happen. God is never late; He is always on time. Stability and peace are His specialty; His area of proficiency.
When we become serious with God regarding perplexing matters, and we’ve had enough of Satan’s attacks, we need only to remind God of His promise that He will never leave or forsake us, and then expect a miracle. Anticipation and looking for the answer is the faith that moves the hand of God. He never fails to bring good out of every situation, because He loves us with an everlasting love.
The Lord wants us to live victoriously. We do this through reading God’s Word and applying it to our state of affairs. Putting on the whole armor of God is the answer found in (Ephesians -18).
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” v.11 “Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” v.12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” v.13 “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” v.14 “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.” v.15 “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” v.16 “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” v.17 “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” v18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
As we trust God’s Word, we cease to look at the flood waters rising. We look, instead, for the standard that God is lifting. This is called faith. (Hebrews 11:1) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
God is our strength! He is stronger and more powerful than anything on earth. His resources are everlasting. He is the Great I Am! And He’s our Heavenly Father! Who then shall we fear?
Written by,
Papa Boyd
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