“What is going on?” This is a question I’ve been asked several times in the last few days as we have seen a number of accidents as well as sickness in our small-but-growing church. In recent weeks three ladies from our church have fallen and been temporarily incapacitated in some way. There has been sickness in several families. If it were just one or two, we might be able to dismiss it as simply being “part of life,” but the fact that it seems so pervasive in this church, I believe, is indicative of something else.
New Beginnings has been experiencing tremendous growth in the past few months—spiritually and numerically. This growth is the work of the Holy Spirit. He is birthing in our hearts a passion for Christ. As a result, this is a congregation that is willing and eager to do the work of ministry, and we are seeking other opportunities to reach out to people in need. Of course, the enemy is going to fight back.
Someone sent me a text the other day saying, “…the devil must really be mad at our church, he is trying to put us all out of commission.” And that certainly appears to be the case. What, then, will we do? Will we allow him to gain the upper-hand? No, no, no—a thousand times no! Here are a few passages of Scripture that have come to mind:
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7 KJV)
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world (1 Peter 5:8-9 KJV)
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV)
In spite of the adverse circumstances we face on a regular basis, we will trust in the Lord, submit to His will and go…Forward Together!
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