Rhemalogy

A Bit Premature?

I am reminded of Samson’s story. When he was led between two supporting pillars in the temple of Dagon. The Philistine spectators thought him powerless. Although his princely locks had regrown, he still could not see. Walking in the flesh blinds us to the truth. So in their perversion sought him for amusement. (Judges 16:23-28)

Simply said, Samson was what appeared to be at his lowest point. Or so the enemy thought. Has this ever happened to you when you were at the lowest point of your life? The enemy kept prodding and persecuting you while you were at your level worse? Does this spectator sport sound or feel familiar?

Never allow yourself to be too comfortable, with the familiar, and let your guard down. Laying your head in the enemy’s lap because of overconfidence will result in heavy repercussions. Beware, the attack will always come when you are most vulnerable. And largely from an unexpected source.

In the emotional fallout refuse to feel abandoned, guilty, unloved, or a failure. Stand against every demonic attack. (Ephesians 6:13-14) Do not believe his lies. Know that the LORD loves you and will never leave you nor forsake you. On that, you can depend! Just stay vigilant. (I Peter 5:8)

But what Samson’s spectators could not discern—as those antagonizing you… It’s not what it looks like. To them, it may appear your situation is hopeless, and the referee has counted to nine and one half. But this battle is far from over. The bell has not rung and you are not out for the count.

… they are betraying their very souls.

You see, some find it much easier to believe a lie than the truth. Thinking it more readily accommodates the justification of their conspiracies. But not recognizing at that same moment they are betraying their very souls. (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12)

Just like the enemy thought Jesus was dead, in a cold dark tomb. Lying tongues tried entombing him by their deceitful words and conspiracies. (Matthew 26:59) Similarly, it looks like you too are dead, in a cold dark tomb of insurmountable troubles. But, just as the Spirit of the Living God raised Jesus from the dead. That self-same Spirit can breathe life into what appears to be your hopeless situation. You can do all things through Christ that strengthens you. (Philippians 4:13) Then you will be stepping on your rubble of troubles instead of crawling beneath them.

Samson, on the other hand, prayed that God would remember him and strengthen him one more time. So that he could avenge the loss of his ‘two eyes’ and die with his enemies. God heard and honored his petition. And in that moment, he destroyed the temple and everyone in it! He destroyed more Philistines that one day than in his entire lifetime! (Judges 16:28-30)

Remember, you are not wrestling with flesh and blood—no you are wrestling with principalities of spiritual wickedness… (Ephesians 6:12) People do allow the enemy to control them. Sometimes without ever even knowing it. (2 Timothy 2:26)

Do not allow your emotions to get the best of you.

You won’t have to die with your enemies. But you will have to die to the onslaught of your enemies in order to crush them. (1 Corinthians 15:31) How is this attained? Do not allow your emotions to get the best of you. You may want to lash out from the pain. But be still and let the LORD fight your battle. (Romans 12:19)

In the pain, you may have to cry and pray; then pray and cry some more to get your breakthrough. This victory not only hinges on the sincerity of your prayers—but your sincerity to forgive. (Matthew 5:44) Remember—God knows your heart. Forgiveness is not religious mechanics, but a heartfelt choice. It is through sincere prayer, forgiveness, and vigilance the door to victory will come open for you.

Humbly pray that God will remember you. And restore your spiritual sight. Enabling you to discern the enemy from a distance. (Malachi 3:18) The enemy is not only Satan. But things of this world he created distract us from God’s word, and His purpose for our lives. (John 14:30) No matter the weight of temptation keep your focus!

You will gain the victory. It may not come in the form you thought. But please know that it will come. God avenged Samson. And He will avenge you; when you sincerely repent and humbly recognize, “It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed because His compassions fail not.” (Lamentations 3:22)

Pray for more wisdom and guidance.

You may have a rough start. Even get stunned for a moment. Pray for more wisdom and guidance. (James 1:5) In God’s kingdom it is not how you start, but how you finish. You see, Samson died in faith.

Your enemies may think, or see you weak and blind to their deceptions. Until they find themselves crushed beneath the rubble of their own creation. In a temple whose foundation was set on lies. Why? Despite your position, you prayed and pushed with all of God’s word; to bring down the enemy’s kingdom—and won!

Then and only then will it dawn on them—-they celebrated your destruction much too soon!

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