The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” Mark 9:26
The evil of this world doesn’t surrender easily nor does it just go away without an intense fight. Our inheritance of eternity with Jesus was not purchased without a great collision of spiritual forces. Our inheritance of eternal life is neither obtained in the here and now as a passive, cloud like, back seated experience. There is warfare involved for those who belong to Jesus. Everyone who wins true spiritual freedom does so at the price of blood. Demons are not expelled by a polite asking to leave, but rather a consistent pushing away with a relentless attitude. Our progression in the spiritual realm is gaged many times by sorrow and tears. Not that we earn our salvation but rather we enter into heaven by much tribulation. God’s word informs us of this in 1 Peter 4:12-13, “
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Throughout all of history, evil never gave up without a grand fight. No great advance in anyone’s life is made without heartache and fatigue from war. The main thing we need to focus on is what Jesus focused on while on the Cross, the joy set before Him. The joy that is set before us is God’s face. When you are feeling tired, rest in God’s word that says, those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be tired, they shall walk and not faint! While you are enduring your process of refinement, keep in mind that your present state is not eternal, meaning the pain and temporary suffering you are walking through is just that, temporary!
For those who are war fatigued, know this; the joy of the Lord is our strength. God is our refuge and our strength and an extreme very now help in times of trouble. The enemy will go to any length to make you disbelieve God’s word because of feelings, but feelings are not fact. Feelings are based on emotions and emotions can be very misleading. Bank on what God says, trust what He speaks and refuse the lies of Satan.
God has you in the palms of His hands and your future is bright! Don’t give up now, the finish line is near!
Pastor Michael Cannatello
lazarusministry.com
