BE OF GOOD CHEERSpeaker: Dr. Paul Dhinakaran Gist: God's hand will be extended against all the powers of darkness. “And the God of peace will crush satan under your feet shortly.” (Romans 16:20)
The prime enemy of those who love God is the devil. But, when we sit at the feet of the Lord and pray with fasting, the activities of the devil will be shattered and his head will be crushed.
Once, a high official, who loved God very much, was sharing to us about the problems that people of God face and even while he was talking, tears started rolling down his cheeks. He said, “Brother! The people who enjoy all the sinful pleasures of this world and those who cheat others are all very happy. But, the children of God, who love Him dearly and who support His ministries and those who are doing His ministry receive blow after blow. What an injustice!”
In Acts 14:22, St. Paul says, “We (children of God) must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God”. Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulations. But, be of good cheer. I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Unless we meet Jesus Christ who overcame the devil in fasting and prayer, we cannot overcome the devil that brings obstacles and failures. As St. Paul says, “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).
Let us see how the Israelites conquered their enemies when they surrounded them. 1 Samuel 7:6 narrates this incident. “So they gathered at Mizpah, drew water and poured it before the Lord. And they fasted that day, and said there, we have sinned against the Lord”.
Philistines had surrounded the Israelites and had mustered their strength to destroy the Israelites completely. At that time, all the Israelites gathered at His feet at Mizpah under the leadership of Samuel and fasted and sought the help of God. Then God raised His hands against the Philistines and He defeated them in such a manner that they could not raise up again. They did not come anymore into the territory of Israel after that. (1 Samuel 7:13)
Friend, likewise, is the devil standing against you? Does the enemy keep you in the darkness? Is he trying to make your friends rise against you and tries to destroy you? Pray with fasting. God's hand will be extended against all the powers of darkness. The devil can never enter your territory. You will be more than a conqueror.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father,
Teach me to seek You with all my heart, mind and soul. Grant me Your grace to grow in your love. Fill me with Your Mighty Spirit to over come the temptations of the world. In Jesus' mighty name, I pray.
Amen.
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