| This is not just a figment of your imagination. This is very real. We actually learn about this in the book of Revelation. In Revelation 12:17 it says: “Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.” (NIV) Let’s start with the first part. Who is “the dragon”? It’s Satan. And he is well aware that his time here on earth is limited by God Himself. As such, he is enraged and has decided to go wage war against people with these two defining characteristics: 1. Those who keep God’s commands. When we slow down to think about this, it makes complete sense because Jesus himself said, “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.” (John 14:21 NIV) As such, Satan comes for those who truly love Christ and keep His commands. He creates targeted attacks to try to draw their affection away. If he can convince you to hate God (for the struggles you face) instead of hate him, he knows he has won the battle for your soul. But there is a second characteristic we haven’t discussed yet. The other defining characteristic of those with whom Satan is enraged is: 2. Those who hold fast to the testimony about Jesus. These are the ones actively pouring out their lives in service of the Lord. It is those ministering to others, sharing their testimony, and sharing the gospel. Satan hates the advancement of God’s kingdom and he will do everything he can to *try* to stop us. But note, I said *try* because his power is NO match for that of our God. Yet that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be sober-minded when we consider Satan. He is on the prowl, just as Peter wrote: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NIV) BUT, DO NOT LOSE HOPE! We can overcome him! The Scriptures say that we overcome by these two things: The blood of the Lamb and The word of our testimony. (“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.”Revelation 12:11 KJV) So, first and foremost, KEEP giving your testimony. If Satan hates it? Great. Keep giving it. You are overcoming by giving it, so DO NOT let him convince you to stop! Secondly, rest in the power AND the protection of the blood of the Lamb. He is covering you in a shield of protection (“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” Psalm 91:11) He has PROMISED to “never leave you or forsake you”, so keep resting in His promises which will never fail. Remember, friends, our time on earth is very short in comparison to eternity. The trials we face here are finite and have a set deadline. And there are so many in our circles of influence who do not have the hope of eternity or Christ. So keep giving that testimony. Keep resting in the power and strength of your God and His sacrifice on that cross. And keep “fighting the fight of faith.” Remember: “GREATER is He that is in YOU than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) What Bible verses would YOU add to encourage us in our fight of faith? I would love to hear from you. Let me know what you think! Until next time, Liz |
| Want to have me come speak for your church or group? Make an inquiry here: https://www.lizhouse.net/speaking/ Want to memorize Revelation 12:17 with me? Go here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Qme9wQbef04H2QunbUAcP Prefer this content in video format? Go here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAJYL7FuibL/?igsh=Z2d0MW8xNjd3dmJs |
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