A Spiritual Battle
- John Glasser
- May 8, 2017
- 3 min read
This past week I've seen the hand of God and I've felt Satan's attack. I would like to illustrate this dichotomy for you, both the rejoicing and lament, by telling you the stories of three young men that have repented of their sin and turned towards Christ for redemption and deliverance. But before I get to their stories, I want to share a few thoughts on this spiritual battle that is going on for men and women's souls. This is a battle that has been waged from the beginning of time. The Bible tells us that Satan, or Lucifer, was created to be the most beautiful angel of all of God's creation. However, because of this beauty, pride rose up in his heart. Satan's pride manifested itself in a hostile takeover attempt. In this attempt, Satan was kicked out of heaven, along with 1/3 of all the angels in heaven. Ever since God threw Satan out of heaven, there has been rebellion in the universe. You, like me, might be asking why? Why would God keep Satan and his cronies around?
Maybe instead of asking why, we could ask what is God's plan for Satan. So, here's my attempt to answer that question. According to scripture Satan is not an equal to God, like they were ying and yang. I believe that God's purpose in keeping Satan around is ultimately to show His glory is greater than Satan's opposition and rebellion. His purpose is also to give people the ability to freely choose to follow God. The Bible says in Joshua 24:14-15 (ESV), "choose this day whom you will serve." This is all part of God's plan to call out a people for Himself who truly love Him back. God chooses those that freely choose Him.
I wish that this rebellion in the universe did not exist. I wish that it didn't affect my life. But I saw three young men give their hearts to Christ this past week in a clear choice to repent of their sin and turn towards Christ. I know that the Holy Spirit began this good work inside these young men. I was incredibly overjoyed when they prayed to receive Christ. The Bible says in John 1:12 (ESV), "but to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave them the right to become children of God." While I was rejoicing with the angels in heaven over these hearts bending towards Christ, I felt the attack from Satan. The Bible says in John 10:10 (ESV), "the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy." So, we know that our life as a Christ-follower will be filled with attack and trials. Yet we choose to be filled with joy and perseverance to reach and race for the prize of the upward call of Christ. Easier said than done. Life hits you, and you start to question the faithfulness of God. You start to wonder why God are you allowing this to happen in my life? When are you going to change things God? When are you going to stop this attack? Have strength my friends. The battle has already been declared to be won by Jesus. We put our hope in this! Not this life, but the life to come. So, we persevere through trials and attacks together. We recognize that we need each other as the body of Christ, to carry each other's burdens, and to build each other up. My prayer for Sioux Falls is that the body of Christ would come together, be legitimately real with each other, and help each other overcome. Everyone in this city has struggles, sin, trials, and attack from our common enemy. Instead of trying to isolate ourselves, let's recognize that we need each other. May Christ bless you and keep you.
May He make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May Jesus lift His countenance upon you and give you His Shalom, His completeness as you face your own battles of sin and the attack of Satan.
PRAISES:
Many students and their families have registered to attend the annual Celebration Dinner. It is so exciting to see the impact these students are having on their families as well. They are so excited to share "Collision" with them.
God is faithfully providing new businesses to adopt schools.
Prayer Requests:
For strength and peace as we are drawing near to the Celebration Dinner.
For God to receive the glory Thursday night at the Celebration dinner and for more students and volunteers to be activated.
For students to finish the year well.
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