So what does scripture tell us we are to do?

Be Alert and on Guard We shouldn’t be surprised.  We know how the enemy works.  We can see evidences of his hand all around us.  It’s not a matter of if he will attack, it’s simply when he will.  Expect it and be ready.  

“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” ~ ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16:13

Stand Firm, Submit and Resist Him.  Submitting doesn’t come naturally.  It is an act of faith.   

“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” ~ ‭‭James‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭NASB‬‬

Standing firm implies a solid ground to stand on.  What is more solid than our faith in Jesus?  It is an immovable  rock and a foundation that bring peace, power and rest in the midst of the toughest trials.  Let’s not forget there is the work of resisting.  In the Holy Spirit’s power, we are able to resist ever attack. 

Watch him flee. These attacks do come with suffering, but it is temporary, purpose-filled and  in it and comes with the promise of His reward.  

After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ,will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. ~  ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:10 NASB

Be Courageous – The LORD is With You.  The presence of the LORD is powerful and priceless!  For He has promised never to leave or forsake us.  What a blessing!  What strength!  Day after day He is with us leading us on.  For no one can stand in His presence. 

‭“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” ~ ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭NASB‬‬

Reflection

Which of the actions above do you struggle with the most?

Where are you most vulnerable to attack?

What are you doing about that?   

Are you justifying or submitting to God?

Prayer

Holy Father, we know You have the power to crush the enemy under our feet.  You are our rock and our fortress in You we will trust!  Equip us and gives us the courage to be on guard. You go before us as a consuming fire.   May Your will be done in Jesus’ name, Amen!

So how are we to know which is the voice of God and which is the voice of the antichrist? As children of God, the Holy Spirit lives in us, proclaiming Jesus Christ’s victory and testifying to our adoption. The anitchrist will not confess Jesus. 

In the most difficult times in the most horrendous attacks, we can stand firm on the truth that we are overcomers, not in our strength but in the victory of Jesus. For greater is He that is in us then he who is in the world!

Reflection

Are you struggling in spiritual battle?   Listen to the voice of truth from God’s word and the Holy Spirit that lives in you.  

What spirit are you listening to?  Does that Spirit profess Jesus as Lord?

Take heart for Jesus has overcome the world and all it’s troubles!

Prayer

Father, there are battles all around us and one raging in our minds.  All spirits vying for our allegiance.  Help our minds to listen and discern those that confess Jesus.  May our eyes be fixed on Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith.  Remind us of the victory He has given us at the cross that we may overcome any struggle we face today!  In His name, Amen!

As I digested this beautiful meal of heavenly bread, I landed on verse 30 and was reminded of my feeble efforts and energy wasted battling my enemies.  Three things are mentioned here about God’s plan to overcome our enemy:

     His way is blameless

     His word is tried

     He is a shield 

These three not only give hope but are a solid and logical strategy against our enemy. 

The older I’ve gotten, the less I waste time trying to figure things out on my own.  I’m less concerned about being smart and capable and more concerned about completing things right the first time and spending less time.  When I Google or YouTube to find a resolution for everyday needs, I look at the number of views and the comments to see if this method is tried and others have found success.  I listen closely to determine if the person is looking for me to succeed and warning me of anything that might go wrong. 

Better than Google or YouTube, is God’s provision for us to solve everything that ails us. 

His way is blameless. We need not worry that He will every lead us to a place of dishonor or destruction.  He forever desires us to walk blamelessly in Him. The same cannot be said about our plans.  

His word is tried. The Bible was written over the span of about 1500 years by around forty authors inspired by God.  It has outlasted trends and fads of every generation and remains solid in its instruction and power. 

He is a shield.  The victory Christ won at the cross is our shield from every arrow the devil can fire.  For we can surely take refuge behind this mighty shield that defends us 

Reflection

Can you say your plan to succeed in the face of your enemies has these three components?

Perhaps it’s time to lay down your plans and pride in exchange for our Father’s perfect way through salvation and start living in joy as you were designed to.  Get in His word daily and meditate on it as you go about your day. It will prove itself tried and true. 

Prayer

Gracious God, you have given us all that we need in Christ.  For His way is blameless. He became sin on our behalf that we might become Your righteousness.  Your word is tried and true and has blessed us beyond measure.  Teach us to delight in it and apply it diligently to every area of our lives.    Let us run to You, our great shield of protection, and take refuge.  You are the one true Living God and You alone have overcome death and sin forever.  We sing praises to you in the name of Jesus, Amen!

And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying,“Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”
There are two things that stand out to me here.  We have to remember who’s family we are a part of.  If God is for us, who can be against us?  This may seem simple but really these are not just words.  This is truth!  We are now children of God.  There is no storm greater than our Father!  We can’t forget He is the one who designed and is sovereign over all creation.  We should not be surprised that the winds and sea obey Him.  We should fully expect this to be the case.

Secondly, we need to understand that our lives are secure in Christ.  The physical death is no longer a threat to those who are in Christ, it is merely a doorway to which we pass through to spend eternity with our glorious king.  Death has lost it’s sting and it’s victory.  Christ has overcome the entire fall of creation including the grave!
This morning you can be rest-filled in the midst of the great storm.  Jesus, Himself said, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world”.  Amen and Amen!!!

Reflection

What things look like giants and have caused you to fear?

Confess your fear to God and ask Him to magnify your fear and faith in Him.  

Prayer

Father, we ask that You would conquer any fear that has gripped us. For You are greater than than the most violent storm.  You are peace in the midst of He storm because even the wind and waves must obey You.  Help our minds to grasp that truth, O LORD.  In Jesus name, we love you, Amen!