Warriors Arise: March 26, 2022
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NKJV) Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
The adversity Patrick faced, being abducted, made a slave, without food, nearly freezing to death, fleeing for his life, captured again and put in captivity all before returning home, was it worth it? When we are in the middle of our affliction, we have no idea what God will do through us if we will hold fast to the faith. When we are going through this horrific time, we can't possibly see what God can do. We just want it to end. We want to be free. We want to return to the way things were. We don't want lingering fear, "What if it happens again? God could have prevented it the first time and definitely the second time but what if the third time I don't make it? Can I trust God? Will I ever feel safe? Will I have security in my life?" All of these questions can run through our minds and even begin to haunt us if we entertain them. Especially if we start blaming God. We know He is able to prevent all of this, so why didn't He?
Our affliction is for a short time. God hurts, he doesn't want us to go through terrible, horrific, traumatic times and I definitely do not agree that God made it happen to us. But He can make good from the bad circumstances in our lives if we will allow Him. That may be where most of us take a step back, instead of a step toward God. We aren't sure if we can trust Him, so when He tells us to go we might give a religious answer, "I will have to pray about that." Well, if it came from God what is there to pray about? Nothing. There is nothing to pray about. But once you and I make the decision to make good of the bad that has happened to us, there is a whole lot of good God can do through us. Where the devil kicked us and caused us to double over, God gives us the opportunity to crush his head.
Luke 10:18-20 (NKJV) And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
Romans 16:19-20 (NKJV) For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
If we pull out of the game when we have our freedom, we miss the opportunity to stomp all over the devil! Patrick knew God had called him to return to Ireland. He took 15 years to prepare for his return. When he did, there was not a fanfare waiting for him. Actually, he fled north. But then He pressed into God to find a way to relate to the people. He had learned their language when he was a slave on their island. He had learned their beliefs and culture. He boldly confronted the druids, kings and commoners with the Gospel. There was already a small group of Christians on the island. He encouraged them. There are many legends of the power of God on display through his spread of the Gospel. They are listed as legends, because they seem to awesome to be true. But isn't that God? He is awesome. He does the impossible. He confronts the lies with the truth. He demonstrates His love for all who will receive and believe. He doesn't turn anyone away. Patrick acted on the power of God displayed in the Bible. He turned his trauma of slavery into triumphant in battle over the island of Ireland.
2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (NKJV) Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.
Patrick is said to have founded more than 300 churches and baptized more than 120,000 people. Patrick also brought clergymen from England and France for his new churches. (St. Patrick Church documentation)
Father, look at what You accomplished through a person who had been through so much! I ask to be willing to be Your vessel! I ask for every area in my life that has been a defeat, a traumatic situation that You train me, prepare me, to give the Gospel, to stomp on the head of the enemy, and demonstrate the power of Your love to the people. I pray for boldness and courage to be upon me. I pray for Your Word to be in me and ready to deliver in season and out of season. I pray I am ready to pray for your kingdom to come. If I have stepped back, because of the pain I have gone through I ask to be forgiven. I ask to be trained to be released to the people the Word of God in me released to them will bring them into Your kingdom in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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