“When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19
Dear Ones:
The psalmist wrote in Psalm 61:2: “…from the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed…” A.I. Waring wrote: “…The storm may roar without me, My heart may low be laid, But God is round about me, and can I be dismayed?” Why is it that we can be overwhelmed, and be tempted to discouragement? It is because there are forces, both physical and spiritual, which are stronger than we, wielding power to potentially damage or destroy. This is NOT a reality that is uncommon, for since the Fall, mankind has been called upon, not only to survive, but to overcome his adversaries. In Isaiah, we find that the enemy of our souls can come in like a flood. A flood is a very powerful, and overwhelming thing. This is one reason for which Paul mentions what is called, “…the evil day.” (Eph. 6:13) There are times when the pressure of circumstances, and the opposition of the enemy, are such, that there is a battle…even a “flood” of battle. There may be nothing wrong in our walk with the Lord, but our enemy chooses to oppose and to resist, in some instances to accuse and condemn. And this he will do…it is part of this conflict in which we find ourselves.
In the sixth chapter of Ephesians, Paul writes concerning this warfare, that it is primarily spiritual in nature. We discover also that it manifests itself in particular when a position of faith is taken. Paul will write: “…Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of HIS might…put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to STAND against the wiles of the devil.” (v.10-11) The opposition that our spiritual enemy mounts is very real. It reveals itself when we are “standing,” believing God, walking by faith. Paul makes this very clear when he writes: “…For we wrestle NOT against flesh and blood, but against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (v.12) When we take a stand of faith in Christ, founded on the word of God, it will always be opposed one way or another. Why? Because the principle by which God works in our lives, and in the lives of others, is faith. If faith can be displaced by fear or dismay, leading to discouragement, then the manifestation of the power of God, will be limited. The objective in the fight is to keep believing, standing and withstanding, not abandoning the position of faith. It is one thing to take a position of faith; it is quite another to refuse to relinquish it. This is the good fight…which can be won by the Spirit of God. “The Spirit shall lift up a standard against him.”
Dear Father, ever fill us with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Give us the grace and strength to take our stand, and then to withstand the assaults on mind, heart, and body, by our enemy. In this very real struggle, enable us to overcome the opposition, by Your Spirit, every day…for Jesus’ sake. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad