It was midnight. I had been asleep for a while. I had faithfully done all the medical profession told me today concerning the battle I was faced with. Determined to overcome, I fully expected a good night’s sleep.
Two hours later, I woke up with a start. My heart pounding out of my chest. Sweat rolling down my back. It was after midnight and I was alone. Now what? What do you do in the dark times when you are alone?
I lay still for a moment and prayed quietly. Then I heard this voice whisper in my ear. “I am going to win this time.”
I knew that voice. And it demanded action. I began to fight with every scripture that came to mind. I commanded peace to overtake me. It didn’t subside quickly – it was hours – but it finally did. I slept for a couple hours – exhausted.
When I woke up the following morning, I began to think about something Pastor Dave Roberson once said to me.
I was talking to him about horrible headaches I would get each time I would attempt to pray in the Spirit for hours. I needed an answer, and I knew he had one. After explaining my dilemma, he simply smiled at me and said, “Wonder what the devil is so afraid of?” Laughing he walked away.
Really?! Was that my answer? It was not what I expected, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed to hear.
The Bible says when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we are to fear no evil, for God is with us.
I believe many are walking through times right now that feel like the valley of the shadow of death. For some it may be the loss of a family member. Or a child who has walked away from God. Maybe a difficult marriage – or maybe sickness has ravaged your body. Whatever it is….God is with us. Not only that, but we must ask ourselves, “What is the devil so afraid of?”
What does he see in your future that we can’t yet see?
In the midst of the past few days, I came across a sermon by Joel Osteen. I have not listened to him for many years, but this message was one I desperately needed in the moment.
He talked about how things come to pass…not to stay. He shared personal stories of things he felt were going to take years to overcome, we settled in mere months.
At the conclusion of his message, which happened to be about Job, he shared how Job ended up with double and lived a good long life, seeing his children to several generations. Job’s challenge, as bad as it was, didn’t last forever.
Whatever you are going through today, regardless of how bad it is, it won’t last forever. It will pass. One day you will look back and realize you are stronger than ever. That’s just what God does.
The important thing is what you do in the dark times. Keep the word of God going into your heart and mind. Make sure the word of God is coming out of your mouth. Give the devil no place. I can tell you from experience, it is not easy, but I can also tell you, it is VITAL. He won’t win. Why? Jesus already won! Go deeper into God. Immerse yourself in His Word and allow His light in you to shine in the midst of the darkness.
Meditate on this!
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
