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!

 

 

The Victory-Giver

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkRiYsTN7KY&list=RDFkRiYsTN7KY&start_radio=1

Is He Worthy ~ Chris Tomlin

Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works
Which You have done;
And Your thoughts toward us
Cannot be recounted to You in order;
If I would declare and speak of them,
They are more than can be numbered. ~ Psalm 40:5 NKJV

I subscribe to a handful of devotionals. The premise of one, is getting to know Jesus on a first-name basis, exploring the different names of God. Today's name is "The Lord God Omnipotent." The devotional asked: if God is All-Powerful (Omnipotent), what power do you need in your life, today? (Prime Time with God Devotionals: www.churchgrowth.org, https://confirmsubscription.com/h/t/AFD515F44C43B7F8)

We all face hardships, whether relationships, finances, health, etc. At times, our hardships are numerous, but we don't have to face them alone. When David faced Goliath, Moses faced Pharaoh, Gideon faced the Midianites, and when Nehemiah faced Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabians, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, they weren't alone. When you face your worst fears, your fiercest enemies, or any kind of trial or hardship, you won't be alone, either. But like David, Moses, Gideon, Nehemiah, and many others, your story isn't about facing opposition; it's about God.

Psalm 44:1-3 says we're to share the victories God has done in our lives, so that others—especially the next and future generations—will know it wasn't by our might, knowledge, or finances that brought us the victory. Rather it was His right hand, His arm, and the light of His face, because He loves us.

What opposition are you facing? Turn your eyes from it and gaze on the One who is the Victory-Giver. Be encouraged by the wonders He's already done in your life, the thoughts He has toward you, and the victories that are still ahead. Then, turning back to the opposition, declare: My God is Worthy of Praise! By His strength, He will bring this victory!

©Heather Potts 2019