I heard it again this week. “We’re under spiritual attack.”
The statement was followed by a list of struggles one of my friends was facing.
I sympathize, I really do, but such reports are starting to sound to me like a report of a series of accomplishments. And that concerns me.
God’s Word testifies to the fact that Satan is real and that he’s got an agenda. “That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8b*
He gives His people specific instructions on how to behave in response to this reality. “Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times.” 1 Peter 5:8a* [emphasis mine]
“But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.]” 1 Peter 5:9* [emphasis mine]
God’s directions confirm the battle is real, but it’s NOT all about the devil making us miserable. It’s not even about keeping score of how many hits we’ve taken and figuring out whether or not we’ll survive. The key element of the spiritual battle is how we behave in the midst of it – to whom and how fully do we give our allegiance. And that means recognition, respect, esteem, admiration, honor, fidelity, obedience, loyalty, commitment, faithfulness, praise and adoration.
We seem quick to give credit to the enemy when difficulties come, but as we learn from Job nothing happens to us that is outside the Father’s will. Perhaps He’s arranged the circumstances to draw us closer to Himself and bring healing in a manner we don’t yet understand.
We often practice the same misdirection when something delightful occurs. We, like Simon from Acts 8, often pat ourselves on the back for our accomplishments, for having a good plan, working hard, or being special. As Simon learned, authentic power comes through the Gospel.
To whom do we give credit when either bad things or good things, stretching times or joyous times happen in our lives? If we believe, truly believe, that God is Sovereign over all things, is the Ruler in every detail, wouldn’t we look to Him FIRST?
In order to do that we need to yield our opinions and hang onto God’s Truth as surely as Miss Doodle is hanging on to her umbrella. THAT is the spiritual battle – to keep our hearts and minds, eyes and hands securely attached to the Maker of heaven and earth. In the end, it’s merely a matter of taking the great I AM at His Word.
“And I give them eternal life, and they will never, ever [by any means] perish; and no one will ever snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater and mightier than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” John 10:28-29*
We seem quick to give credit to the enemy when difficulties come, but as we learn from Job nothing happens to us that is outside the Father’s will. Perhaps He’s arranged the circumstances to draw us closer to Himself and bring healing in a manner we don’t yet understand.
May the LORD who made us and called us confirm His secure grasp to each one.
with confidence in His providence,
Sandra