I recall the words of the Apostle Paul, how in confidence he declared that the Lord would rescue him from every evil attack and bring him safely into his heavenly kingdom.
I think it's true that when God is present and doing a work, that the enemy the devil is sure to attack at some point. Charles Spurgeon once said that the greatest sign of the Lord's presence is the devil's roar (like a lion). Some truth in that. At least we can expect evil attacks in this life, and we must be ready for them.
Jesus himself experienced this when challenged by Peter not to take the way of the cross. Peter was at that moment an opposer, but it's likely the opposer himself, Satan, was in Peter's words. So we have to be ready for attacks both from within- ourselves, and from without- others. Many subtle and others not so subtle.
I've experienced a few of these lately, and hopefully I'll benefit from them. God is at work to use those very attacks for my good and growth in his grace, and of course, for his glory. This is not to say that our lives consist of being attacked, but simply that we must be ready when it does happen.
What might you like to add to this?
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7 comments:
For your protection, and your peace, I pray.
Thank-you L.L. as i have been under attack also. The enemy does not like all the praying i have been doing for myself, Ted and Tiffany (our daughter); especially with some positive results from fervent praying.
You are a special friend to us both!
L.L.,
Thanks. In no way would I compare my "troubles" with the Apostle Paul's of course! And really it's the same kind of attacks we all face as children of God through the accuser of the brothers and sisters. At the same time, though I really do appreciate your prayer. I see this kind of thing as just part of the normal Christian life, and really don't see myself as having any more difficulty in this area than anyone else. Just a season when this is evident to me.
Thanks, sister.
Hi Ted.
Without getting personal, could you give some sense of what this attack is like? I think that would be helpful.
Also, do you think the current financial crisis leaves us more open to attack?
Diane,
Thanks for asking.
Hard to share without getting too personal. The tongue is a big factor in this. Yes, the tongue. And my own tongue is not without guilt, even though I felt under attack.
God working in Jesus to help me grow and mature more in Jesus through this, believe.
As to the financial crisis, I don't worry much. Worry has been a nemesis to me over the years and over financial matters certainly. Not good.
I am blessed with a wife, Deb, who has a true childlike faith in God as our Father. This has been to my good, and blessing, to be sure.
Thanks for this post, Ted. A woman at church talked to me about this recently--being attacked--and I think it finally started to click with me for the first time. Now I keep hearing it brought up again and again. Maybe God's trying to drive the point home =)
The Walk,
Good to hear from you.
Yes. I think it's just a part of the normal Christian life. We can expect attacks at times from the evil one. Part of the "Our Father" prayer we're to be praying is "...but deliver us from the evil one."
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