There have been times when the experience of people standing against me was felt. I’ve never understood why, but the sadness and hurt were real. I never turned away from what the LORD called me to do; I just called on Him every time to guide me and bring me through it. I have often believed that the attacks, these mistreatments, and these disappointments are God’s way of ensuring that my faith in Him increases and my service to Him grows.

I thought about Job. I thought about Jesus when He was in the desert with Satan. I thought about Saul.

1 Samuel 19:9 – But an evil spirit from the LORD came on Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand. While David was playing the lyre… 

There is no doubt at all that the things that have happened to me—to the ministry that I’ve been called to—in a negative way have been “allowed” by my Father! While the text says the spirit was ‘from’ the Lord, I see it as God’s sovereignty—He allows the enemy’s reach, but always for His ultimate purpose.” He is not sending evil spirits from heaven to destroy us – but I believe that some of those evil spirits that fell with Satan sometimes are sent to remind them of His power and their weakness.

In fact, I’m convinced that those who attack or attempt to destroy a servant of the Most High God are being given true insights into who He is and who they are not! What about you?

In your own “battles,” are you more prone to pick up a spear (to fight back in the flesh) or a lyre (to worship through the pain)?

The wickedness is real, but the power of the Most High cannot be defeated.

As a servant of God in the missionary world, I’ve seen people attacked by many things, but I am praying and believing that they will just keep pressing on. Financial support is the heaviest weight; (the financial needs can feel like Saul’s spear!) Though it can feel like this may end a ministry, God provides in ways that were never thought possible! His provision for His work is like David’s lyre—unexpected and restorative!

Just look at David. He was not only amazing and victorious; he ministered musically to Saul to drive away the spirits that were disturbing his mind. Saul, however, dealing with the spirit in him—allowed by God—continually wanted to destroy David.

Then look forward to now. In walks Jesus! He died and then rose, and He has spoken to those who believe in Him. The power of the Father is with us! All things come from and are controlled by Him.

We can’t lose if we keep depending upon God and not ourselves for victory. So… bring it on! I ain’t goin’ nowhere!

Ephesians 6:13 tells us to put on the armor of God so that “after you have done everything, to stand.” What is the one specific area right now where you feel called to simply “stand your ground” against the enemy?

PRAYER
Father, thank You for the truth of Your Word. Thank You for a reminder of Your care and love for me. I want to live in complete service to You because I believe, I adore, I trust, and I need You! Strengthen me, Father. Help my heart to stand firm. Remind me in the middle of fear whose I am. I trust You! Amen.