You will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.
Luke 21:17-19
In this nation, we continue to face ongoing storms and troubles that threaten our very existence and freedoms. The enemies of God continue to rob and pillage any and all who stand in their way of world domination. And they are not content with the destruction of entire systems of management or our daily sources of provision. Our spiritual adversary is plainly fixed on killing us. Whether it’s through wars, plagues, or artificial technologies, the enemies of God seek to annihilate His presence and people through any means possible.
Given this wake-up call, we must consider some of heaven’s strategies for overcoming these threats. Our first weapon of choice should always be God’s Word and His absolute promise to vindicate His people for His own name’s sake. Declaring His truth shatters lies and fortifies our faith in His plans for our deliverance and freedom. Add to that the power of our praise and thanksgiving, and atmospheres over entire cities and regions shift when the people of God declare His goodness and grace. Principalities and powers are toppled when the people of God AGREE on His sovereign rule over all! (Just think – if we would just AGREE on something, the enemy would HAVE to flee!!)
Our second weapon is practicing the principles of Psalm 91 and dwelling in His presence. (Note – it’s not just “claiming” Psalm 91 – but living it!) When we learn to daily walk under the shadow of His wings, we are divinely protected from the enemy’s weapons of warfare. We are freed from fear and all the intimidation tactics of the opposition. I have experienced this personally in profound ways. It is in His presence that the promises of His covenant are activated and serve as a protective shield against any and all onslaughts of evil (Ezekiel 34:25-27). It’s in His presence that we find peace and the confidence to walk through the fires and come through victorious.
But there is another weapon that the Lord is issuing in this hour and that is ENDURANCE. There is a supernatural steadfastness that is available to those who are determined to embrace it. As I have personally yielded to this process in my own life, I am finding that the rewards outweigh the costs. Though evil forces may appear persistent, they cannot outlast a believer who holds fast and simply endures.
Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
God is preparing vessels of glory. The fires we are walking through are sanctifying and purifying our purpose so that we can be mighty conduits of heaven’s power and authority on the earth. This requires endurance and the determination to PASS THROUGH. There is a grace available to do this, even when things get hot. It is a grace to fix our eyes on the joy set before us and press through the discomfort, inconvenience, and even the pain. Because it is all momentary.
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when HIS GLORY IS REVEALED.
I don’t believe these promises are just for the “sweet by and by” when we get to heaven. I believe they are for now (Luke 18:29-30). God’s purpose has always been to show forth the fullness of His glory through those who have stood their ground and trusted in Him. It doesn’t matter how hot the furnace gets. He is looking for those who are willing to withstand the flames of adversity and look for Him in their midst. The enemy may think he is throwing us into the furnace to kill us, but he will find that it’s actually baptizing us with power from on high!
I am finding that endurance is a powerful weapon in these moments of uncertainty. Regardless of the enemy’s plans for our destruction and death, God’s plans are higher. He is calling His people to PRESS IN and pass through the fires! Do not acquiesce to the enemy’s threats and do not stand down from the truths we’ve attained. Our Redeemer and Champion on High is coming from the other side to reclaim what is His and reveal Heaven’s glory through those who have endured.
STAND FAST, ENDURE, and we WILL see the deliverance of our God.
[…] Open the full article on the kingdomwinds.com site […]