Did you know?

I don’t normally talk about the enemy, preferring to focus my attention on the One who is much, much bigger. However, today I have a sense that some clarification needs to be given. As I have studied scripture the past few weeks, several different times I’ve come across two verses that stick out to me, punctuated by some experiences at my work.

My job can be challenging, but for the last week and a half it has been very smooth, and spiritually quiet, which usually isn’t the case. I’ve come to appreciate my job because it has taught me the true meaning of what it means to ‘pray continually’. Then yesterday, something very nasty showed up; I had a vision of one of those frightening characters you’d see in a chainsaw murder movie (I don’t watch those kinds of things precisely because of what those give invitation to). Everywhere I turned at my job yesterday, this specter would flash before my spiritual eyes, menacing and threatening. The atmosphere was cold, spiritually and physically.

Now, I refuse to be cowed by fear. Fear is my enemy and I have been given the Holy Spirit who is bold, courageous and has a sound mind. Every time I saw this figure yesterday, these two verses immediately came bubbling to the surface of my mind.

Ephesians 3:10-11: His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to His eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. (emphasis added)

Matthew 10:26-27: “So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.” (emphasis added)

Did you know the enemy is a created being? That there has never been a contest between God and the enemy? With a single breath, our Father in Heaven could wipe away the enemy from existence. Yet He doesn’t do that; why? Because His intent is that we, created beings in right relationship with Him, would crush the works of the one who has been in rebellion since the creation of man.

And the best way to do that? Simply tell our Beautiful Jesus how much you love him. It seems so simple, almost too easy. But for anyone who is in the midst of struggle, who is suffering, who sees only the dark everywhere they turn, ‘Jesus I love you’ can be the hardest four words to give voice to. Especially when that suffering is because of oppression at the hands of the enemy.

I want to encourage you today, that whether you are facing a huge impossible circumstance, or a tiny little lie that is attempting to plant itself in your life, you are facing a created being who hates you and has only the authority that he can trick out  of people. You face this created being with the power of the Almighty Creator residing within you. You have the Spirit of the Living God resting in you and upon you. So turn your face to King Jesus, tell him all about it and watch the works of the enemy be destroyed. Jesus is speaking to you, and you know His voice. Speak out over your life and the lives of others that the Creator is saying. His words never go out void; His breath always, always brings life.