They're Just Threats

Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you … ~ Isaiah 41:10 AMPC

I was awakened at 2:22am, at the end of a horrible nightmare. It was then that Holy Spirit reminded me of a truth from a previous Sunday’s sermon: “[Satan] threatens us with things he can’t do.” The pastor’s words are a good reminder that the devil is “a liar and father of lies,” (John 8:44). Satan comes not as a herald of truth. He is only a propagator—a spewer—of lies.

His lies come in the form of words, threats, and even physical attacks on the body. Literally two hours after submitting my book for publication, I was hit with weird physical pain. Though it was only discomfort at first, the pain became very intense. As the pain got serious, so did my stance against the enemy’s attack. You don’t fight a fire by running away, but with Holy Water: The Name of Jesus!

After an overnight battle, which included prayer, worship, and communion, I checked-in with a nurse to ensure I wasn’t ignoring something. I heeded her physical recommendations and continued my prayers. Thankfully, God knew I was going to face this battle, so He prepared me in advance.

In preparation for publishing my first book, I’ve been reviewing a lot of other authors’ books, especially their layout and covers. As I was flipping through the pages of Kim Anderson’s book, Live, Not Die, I reread her battle plan. Though her book is about her battle with and victory over cancer, this is still spiritual warfare. Kim Anderson’s words reminded me to not just speak scripture over my life, but to also speak life and health to all my body parts. By adding her battle plan to mine, and continuing to look to Jesus for my healing, I was feeling 100% by the following evening.

Beloved, I pray that in every way you may succeed and prosper and be in good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers [spiritually]. ~ 3 John 1:2 AMP

Being wise to the devil’s schemes doesn’t keep him from attacking me, (hello, 2:22am!). It also doesn’t mean I am always quick to recognize his attacks. But as the Lord remains faithful to equip me for incoming attacks and to walk with me when they arrive, I know that with Christ I can overcome.

So don’t worry, because I am with you.
    Don’t be afraid, because I am your God.
I will make you strong and will help you.
    I will support you with my right hand that saves you. ~ Isaiah 41:10 ICB

God is Omniscient: ALL Knowing.

God is Omnipotent: ALL Powerful.

God is Omnipresent: Always Everywhere.

There is no time or place to which God’s knowledge, power, and presence do not extend.

When we remember who God is, how can we fear anything the devil might threaten?

©Heather Potts 2023

*Check out my new site and my new book, available to pre-order today!

 

 

Leave Room for God to Move

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryD3D9X2myk

God is in this Story ~ Katy Nichole & Big Daddy Weave

 

Hey, friend. Mind if I sit by you? I see that worried look on your face. I get it; I’ve been worried about some things, too. But Holy Spirit has been talking with me and I wanted to share it with you.

 

The Bible says, “Be anxious for nothing,” – a simple, yet difficult command. After some prayer, I realized that I have “liked” worrying, because it gave me a sense of power and control in circumstances where I had none. What Holy Spirit showed me is that I actually had a lot of power, but I gave it over to the enemy by worrying, instead of praying.

 

The rest of Philippians 4:6 tells us what to do with all of those anxious thoughts: By prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Honestly, I’m pretty good at talking to God—both crying and whining, at times—but I’m usually pretty bad at doing so with thanksgiving. Because I wondered why it was so important to pray with thanksgiving, I looked up the meaning. “With” is a Greek preposition that means, “in the midst of, amid,” (Blueletterbible.org). And “thanksgiving” is giving thanks for God’s blessings. When we’re thanking God, we’re remembering all that He’s already done for us, the crazy and amazing ways He’s come through for us in the past. When we’re focusing on that, all the worries fall by the wayside and the possibilities in God begin to open before us. Those are the things we want power behind and want to give life to by speaking them out of our mouths.

 

Proverbs says we have the power of life and death in our tongues. I know that when I worry, there is nothing fruitful or life-giving coming out of my mouth. But when I’m worshipping, praising, and thanking God, that’s when power is ignited!

 

Father, I pray for my friend. There is so much going on – so many unknowns, and fear is waiting to consume my friend. But Lord, You are the God of angel armies. You are the God of miracles. You heal the broken hearted, break bondages—including all types of addictions—and restore relationships. You heal diseases and breathe Your life into that which was dead. You are the Great I AM and nothing is too hard for the Lord, my God! Father, thank you that You are moving in my friend’s situation. Please bring peace and joy to my friend’s heart and mind. Lord, please give my friend clarity of thought. Thank you that we have the mind of Christ and can operate in His wisdom and ability. Thank you, Father, for working behind the scenes in my friend’s situation—working out every detail for my friend’s good and Your glory. Holy Spirit, please be with my friend. Guide each step in Your wisdom. Bring to mind all promises from God to encourage my friend. Lord, I ask for continued blessings, protection, and provision for my friend—far above all we can think, ask, or imagine. Lord, help my friend to see all that’s possible in You! And Lord, I pray for those who are watching my friend’s life and situation. I pray that they’d be in awe of how You answer our prayers. I pray that many would come to fear and follow the Lord because of the mighty works You have done and are doing in my friend’s life. I pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ~ Philippians 4:6 NIV

 

©Heather Potts 2023