Through the Looking Glass--It's All About Perspective

Lately, it seems that the enemy has been shooting firey darts in our direction, aiming for that big target painted on our backs.

As Dave and I continue to work in the direction of the church plant, the Lord continues to provide us guidance and confirmation we are going in the right direction. Dave preached an awesome series at a youth bible drill weekend in a church about 30 miles away from here, and we had an awesome time in worship this morning. The bible study for the church plant is really taking off and everything is going great.

But, the enemy seems to be always lurking, seeking to devour. 1 Peter 5:6-11 admonishes us to, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast." Peter warned us that we would suffer attacks from the enemy, so therefore, we should not be surprised when these attacks happen.

In Ephesians 6:16, Paul admonishes us to "...take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the firey darts of the evil one."

Lets face it, persecution hurts. Especially when it comes from people who claim to be Christians. And especially when it is undeserved and without merit. Why is it when everything seems to be going great, and the Lord is working mightly, that the enemy chooses those opportune moments to start firing away? These types of attacks aim right for that secret wound, that has been there since childhood, that only the Lord and the enemy know about. Paul also tells us in Ephesians 6:12 "that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces in the heavenly realms."

So, what has the Lord taught me today about persecution, firey darts, and the enemy? That I need to stand firm on the Word, put on my shield of faith (Eph 6:12), and to forgive those who persecute me (Romans 12:14). Romans 12:17-21 states, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

As a Christian, and a servant of the Most High, I have to remember that Jesus stated "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:9-12).

We will do well to remember that even though the enemy uses real flesh and blood people to do the attacking, that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Eph 6:12)

Lord, please help me to pray for those who are attacking us. For You to extend mercy to them. Please help me forgive them, as this is Your will. Please help me to continue to love them and to remember that Your will be done, not theirs. In Jesus name. Amen.