Sometimes we may see “the enemy” as a nation looming as a growing threat. Or we may see “the enemy” as COVID-19, delta, omicron, flurona or those to follow. We see many threats as what’s actually happening now and all around us. Behind all of this is a central cause.
1 John 5:19 says, “We know the whole world is under the drunken influence of “the enemy.” Because of the stray, rebellious behavior of our first parents, Adam and Eve, we are left as a fallen world. We are at war. That is not to say that we are at war with a particular nation, but the whole world is at war against spiritual wickedness in high places (the heavenlies).
These challenges which we face and must overcome can only be met with the authority and power; belief in Jesus Christ the conqueror. We are assured that “… in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us, Jesus Christ.
Roman 8:37 says that “We know that our prayers are heard”… (1John 5:15) “And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him.”
Remember when Jesus and the disciples were leaving the temple and Jesus said to them: (Matthew 24:4-6) “See to it that no one deceives you.You will hear of wars and rumors of wars ..do not be alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.”
We see the floods, storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, pestilences, diseases and more. We have power and authority over “the enemy.” Luke 10:19 says: “Behold, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you.” Think about it– “fear” is often our biggest obstacle.
The prayer of Jehoshaphat is one of my favorites. When other tribes came to make war with Jehoshaphat, (2 Chronicles 20) “He was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD; proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. Judah was accustomed to using prayer as their armor in times of trouble. When “the people of Judah gathered to seek the LORD, and indeed, they came from all the cities of Judah to seek Him”, Jehoshaphat called everybody together and He prayed.
Imagine our war for right now is the pandemic or any challenging event in our lives. Imagine the war is with the question, “What “god/s” is/are being worshipped that requires 40-50 million abortions to be performed every year?”
Employ this same prayer strategy that happened in Judah when everybody got together on one accord, not doubting, not dissenting and just prayed. Jehoshaphat remembered the LORD’s past divine deeds of favor and was reminded of the LORD’s greatness. He is the same LORD as before. “Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You.” We will cry out to You in our distress, and You will hear us and save us.
He reminds the LORD of the wickedness of their enemies, but yet the LORD had mercy on their enemies. See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession that You gave us as an inheritance? Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
Meanwhile, all the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, were standing before the LORD. The prophet Jahaziel prophesied” You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.
Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.”
Thanks for reading! Jeanette Grattan Parker is Founder-Superintendent Today’s Fresh Start Charter School 4514 Crenshaw Boulevard, LA 90043 323-293-9826 www.todaysfreshstart.org (Ask Dr. Jeanette TM) Inquiring Minds Want To Know-All articles are copyright. All rights reserved © References: Berean Bible. 2 Chronicles 20. Errors? Let me know. Dial in Sundays for music & message: 11:30am {1-712-775-8971—code 266751}
