All of us will face circumstances or people at some point in our lives that seek to impede us in what we are trying to achieve or to do us occupational, emotional, financial or even physical harm.
Our adversaries can be very intimidating and difficult to deal with even in simple discourse. When matters of truth, ethics, integrity, money and position are involved opponents are aggressive and destructive. Believers often experience the latter kind of adversary as we strive to be a light-bearer, promoting God’s values in a world with many that lust after darkness.
To engage with an opponent that embraces ‘the end justifies the means’ approach, that irrationally calls good evil and evil good, and does not abide by the same principles is not simple. We need help from the Light of the World – God’s help, to confront this.
God stands ready to hear the call of His people, because He knows what they are up against.
“ ‘Because he holds fast to Me in love, I will deliver him;I will protect him, because he knows My name. When he calls to Me, I will answer him;I will be with him in trouble;I will rescue him and honor him’ “ – Psalm 91:14
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:12
To allow God’s Spirit to fight on our behalf, we need to trust Him. Trusting God involves the following:
- Guard your heart. God will not fight on our behalf, if our intentions do not align with His principles.
- Pursue and more importantly promote God’s principles in your life and in any situation regardless of the circumstances. In other words, fear God not people.
“But if you carefully obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.” – Exodus 23:22
- Hold on to Jesus, who is the perfecter of our faith (Heb 12:2) and whom intercedes for us at the throne of our Father in heaven.
- Focus on God so that you can be sensitive to the Holy Spirit as He leads.
- Be obedient to God’s guidance and be patient. Be careful to act wisely as you see God move. Complex battles takes time. Persevere.
“Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out. At the command of the Lord..” Numbers 9:22
“Do not go up, for the Lord is not among you, lest you be struck down before your enemies.” – Numbers 14:42
- Pray without ceasing while you wait and before you act. Sometimes the situation will dissolve or your adversary will be overcome by God’s grace. Most often God will ask you to act in faith when the time comes, with the Holy Spirit directing and empowering your steps.
In my experience, trusting God typically requires more faith than we are comfortable to commit to, but once God moves on your behalf you are left awestruck and it changes your life forever.
God’s Spirit working in your life is worth pursuing. Without Him it is impossible to shine the kind of light that pierces the darkness and bring color to the world around you. Without Him it is impossible to be useful in spite of your imperfections. Without Him it is impossible to defeat the forces of evil. It is only God.
Have a blessed week.
© Casper van Tonder