Wield Your Sword!

Sitting here, in my bedroom, watching the ducks through the window as I pray, I see an interesting sight. A small duck is chasing three large ones. Due to the audacity of the small one, the three are convinced that he is a threat. Just one of them has the strength to stop and even destroy him and if all three would realize the power in their unity, there would be no battle at all... they simply would not be moved by the threats of their enemy. They would resist his efforts and defeat his plans of intimidation. He's a bully that's coercing them to run in fear!

Well, I guess you know where I'm going with this! I love it when the Lord gives me a visual of what's going on in the Spirit realm. Our enemy is a master liar. His greatest weapon is intimidation and fear. If he can keep you on the run and constantly distracted by fear, anxiety and worry, you will not be able to operate in a place of faith.

Let's face it, when your mind is occupied with all of your problems and you're worried about your current situation and the future, there's simply no time for God. Oh, you may cry out to Him in your despair, but that doesn't frighten the devil. It's not the prayer of fear that moves mountains, but the prayer of FAITH!

Just like the scenario of the small and larger ducks, the enemy that is chasing you is actually a defeated foe! He has no power over your life or your circumstances. He only has as much authority as we'll give him. Fear opens the door for him to get a foothold in our minds and hearts. After all hell broke out in Job's life, his words spoke volumes...Job 3:25 (NKJV) For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, And what I dreaded has happened to me. If the enemy can just get you to believe and even confess his evil plans...What will follow will not be God's best for your life.

I understand how difficult it can be when you're in the midst of the storm. I know what it's like when you get hit from every direction and the attacks are relentless. I also know the heart of a parent when our kids are involved in the attack. It's heart wrenching! But remember, dread and worry will only make things worse.

Discipline yourself to shut off those nagging thoughts and guard your mouth from making negative confessions. The only way to do that is by washing your mind in God's Word. Look up scriptures that will build your faith and use them as you pray and in your battle plan. Decree the desired results and believe that the Savior that died for you wants to see you blessed and walking in the power, authority and provision that He gave His life for! It may not happen over night, but wait on God! (if you need to, go back and read my devotion on tarring). He's never early, but He's always right on time if you'll believe! Don't even allow your mind to entertain the garbage the enemy is trying to force feed you!

Oh... one more point about the three ducks... if we would join in unity with our fellow Christians...what a threat we'd be to the enemy!! Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NKJV) Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

As I'm writing and occasionally glancing out the window, I just witnessed one of the larger ducks chasing down the small one! He realized that this tiny enemy was no threat to him and he turned from living on the defensive to being on the offensive!

Realize who you are in Christ, shake off the fear and intimidation, wield your sword and take back what the enemy has stolen! He is trespassing and he is a defeated foe!!!

Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Matthew 17:20 (KJV) And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

James 4:7 (KJV) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Luke 10:19 (KJV) Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

James 5:15-16 (NLT) Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Job 22:28 (KJV) Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.

Philippians 4:8 (KJV) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things.