Any attack we face, physical, emotional, or spiritual, attacks us from the outside to try and gain access to the inside. This is true for every attack, big or small, even a virus. It attacks from the outside to gain entry into our bodies, then needs to find a way into our bloodstream, and finally needs to get past our immune system before it can do what it intends to do.
The enemy works the same way. It bombardes us with seemingly insignificant everyday challenges in an ever-increasing manner. One day, when we are having a bad day, everything gets too much and we give in to the pressure. Now he has access to our thoughts. Now he plants thoughts of hopelessness using the ever-increasing everyday challenges as justification. Soon our behaviour starts to change and before we know it EVERYTHING seems hopeless.
God however, works the other way around. He starts with your spirit. Once the process of sanctification is set in place, He starts to encourage us to daily renew our minds. It is during this time, when the enemy realises that he is losing ground, that he keeps us focused on the everyday challenges and tells us that God does not answer prayers. Nevertheless, when we gain victory in this area and receive the mind of Christ, the final stage starts: crucifying the flesh. Here we see the challenges, acknowledge the difficulties it poses, but choose to celebrate the small mercies and everyday blessings to move past what we feel and live by faith.
When we succeed in this area the enemy has no choice but to retreat and our situation and circumstances change.
That is why David could say; my heart IS glad, my body SHALL rest.
“Therefore, my heart is glad and my glory [my inner self] rejoices; my body too shall rest and confidently dwell in safety,”
Psalm 16:9 AMPC
With the fullness of the Godhead within us, we are strengthened in each area we give Him access to (because God is a gentleman, He will not force Himself on anyone), we gain lasting victory in those areas and slowly work the enemy out of our lives.
“Father, I come to You in the Name of Jesus. Thank you that I have the Holy Spirit inside me continually encouraging me and reminding me of the victory I already have in Jesus Christ. Thank you that I am reminded every time that the enemy tries to convince me that what I am facing is bigger that You, that You exists outside my circumstances, and so You can protect me in and carry me through whatever I am facing. Amen.”
God’s Richest Love and Blessings to our whole LFM family.
André Binneman
(P.S. – If you need any prayer or counselling in light of your current difficulties and circumstances, please reach out to us at https://lifestylez.co.za/contact-us/.)