The biggest, loudest most obscene proclamation I may ever make is this: I HATE THE DEVIL!!! I hate him so much it makes me angry, sad and fed up, all at once. BUT, on the flip side of this statement is that hating the devil, and stating it out loud, is one of the highest forms of WORSHIP and PRAISE we can give to Christ Jesus! Why? Because by hating the devil it means we recognize his many faces, his craftiness and effect on not only our life, but also the lives of those around us.
It means we know what we are facing and how to be victorious over it; that GOD IN US IS GREATER than the enemy’s grip!
Sorry Devil…you LOSE! Give me Jesus ANY DAY!
This morning I felt a battle ensuing within, however it wasn’t typical. It was a struggle to free myself from a string of spiritual issues of people I love, which affect my life. After being in prayer most of the morning and asking God some questions over the past couple of days, He was unraveling the truth to me; it was as disheartening as it was enlightening. A literal washing came over me as I stood at the kitchen sink with the water running, while washing dishes, in symphony with the flow of tears streaming down my cheeks. I stood there pained for the people I love who I sense are blind to how the enemy manipulates them, thus provoking them to manipulate others. But what is worse, they do not realize what they do. As Jesus proclaimed on the cross, “Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do!”
My heart grieves for the lives of my loved ones because I sometimes feel helpless where they are concerned. You see, there are times where we can minister to people, and times where we simply have to remain quiet. Mainly because their ears won’t hear…no matter how many times, or how many different ways you say something, hoping it will help or reach. This block is an anti-Christ spirit residing within a person; this spirit is one only the Lord can deal with effectively. We have to entrust those we love, to the Lord’s hands. “‘You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you” (2 Chronicles 20:17 ESV)
The enemy has used so many things to devour that person’s heart, they despise what Christ represents. Thus leading to a stronghold that opens a door-point so wide, where manipulation of the enemy runs so deep, it’s a battle only God, Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit can handle. “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.” (Ephesians 6:12)
Yes, we can pray, fast and do what we can in the natural to assist, but truly, it’s between the enemy and the Lord. If God has preordained someone to return to him, the enemy will surely lose; for our God will fight with all his swords and angels of mercy to win a person back to him. After they are won, He will continue to wage a war against the enemy as he delivers them of these ungodly spirits. It’s a process that is necessary and one those standing by, watching and waiting, must be patient to endure, and see them through to the end. What we do in order to remain unaffected by the dark powers around us is pray for a hedge of protection, allow the Spirit to lead us and be keenly aware of what we are up against. Ask the Lord to provide the wisdom and knowledge needed to discern what is going on and how to deal with it.
Relying on the Lord and having confidence in Him, and remaining steadfast in hope that someone is delivered of evil, in the end. “But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.” (Hebrews 3:6)
Thank you Lord Jesus for listening to my prayers and questions; for guiding me to the answers even when I don’t like them. I respect where you place me and how you desire I move, in and out of people’s lives. This in order for you to work a work only you can. I am ever so grateful for your hand in all things for without it we would be ever so lost (more lost) in this crazy world in which we live. You are so worthy of all of our praise and all of our worship for all you do for those who deserve so little. We deserve so little, yet you bless us greatly, showing us our worth in your eyes! In His HOLY and Precious name, amen!