Satan, who could be destroyed by one breath of God, still stands for one reason; as a training ground for us to learn to reign and rule in life with Christ. His attacks are purposed for our good, and when we begin to realize this truth in the moments of warfare, we can intentionally and courageously engage for the purposes God has for us.
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." -Hebrews 12:11
We all know the inward tension that occurs in our lives in the days when spiritual war begins to rage. It’s in these moments where faith for the impossible is dim, and hope for a better day is nearly impossible to participate in. However, it’s these exact moments where we are perfectly positioned to pursue and posture ourselves in such a way to experience divine intervention. Many miss these moments, as the feeling of fear, despair, or pain becomes what empowers how they embrace their circumstance. There is a revelation of God’s perspective available to us all that will empower us to live beyond feeling and begin to live with great faith and hope.
One way we can begin to strengthen hope and faith during our days of difficulty is by remembering the testimonies of God. Remembering the faithfulness of God in the past, produces confidence in his power in the present. It is our thankfulness and praise of his steadfast faithfulness in our lives that softens our hearts to his presence and places our perspective in proper alignment. This empowers us to suddenly hope when circumstantially hope seems lost.
Circumstances are constantly arising in our life where faith for breakthrough is non-existent. It’s in these moments where we have to intentionally engage the testimonies of God. By doing so we remember his power in the past, whether that be throughout human history, as recorded in scripture, or moments of our own lives. It’s in this remembrance that we can bring to mind the truth of God's character amidst our situation and act according to who he is rather than how we feel. This is an incredibly important practical application in activating a life of faith with Jesus. If the decisions of our actions aren’t based upon his character we will cower in fear, disbelief, or rebellion in the most critical moments in our life. God's character is meant to impart hope in moments of hopelessness so that we engage with faith in the face of Satan’s schemes, standing with courage rather than bowing in fear.
Colossians 1:16-17 is a powerful statement that deserves deep meditation: “For in him (Christ) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Recognizing this truth allows us to see that every one of Satan’s schemes, as painful as they may feel, are a tool in the hand of God that is used for our good. Satan, who could be destroyed by one breath of God, still stands for one reason; as a training ground for us to learn to reign and rule in life with Christ. His attacks are purposed for our good, and when we begin to realize this truth in the moments of warfare we can intentionally and courageously engage for the purposes God has for us.
While there are many purposes, these two listed below seem critical if we are going to experience God’s intended purpose in the moments of difficulty we find ourselves in.
1. Opportunity to overcome:
On the other end of our difficulty is authority. We only have power over that which we are being or have been delivered from. Our mountains of difficulty are meant to be the platform for our greatest dance. Meaning, the only reason God brings us to insurmountable mountains is to learn to dance on them. Though fear arises before the climb, if we endure with him he will lead us to the top to stand on that which once stood over us. It’s in this place that our trials of fire become the pathway for the increase of our influence. If we will embrace these seasons, what was once our place of war will become our dwelling land of prosperity. As a result, we will become a light, on the top of what seemed to be an insurmountable mountain, that brings hope and life to those in the valley and shadows of death and despair.
2. Overcoming unto Becoming:
While obvious, the primary reason we will carry authority in our place of difficulty is because of the inward refining that occurred during the season of war. While becoming an overcomer to particular circumstances holds power, it only will take you so far if personal transformation doesn’t occur in the process. God could breakthrough and bring deliverance in a moment to our difficulties. He could shatter and slay Satan with his pinky finger. However, he has a higher perspective in mind. Desiring not only for an outward manifestation of his power and glory, but more so an inward one in the lives of his people. He doesn’t want to be a sole conqueror with a multitude of spectators. He is an army commander who equips and trains soldiers to wield his weapons and engage this war with him, not merely watching but passionately participating. It’s in this place that every war is another opportunity for growth. When seen through God's perspective, what once brought us despair and debilitated our being, now becomes the means for our greatest season of increase. With this perspective we can engage with intensity and intentionality the difficulty that occurs in our lives because of the hand of Satan.
