Jesus Christ promised to build His Church to stand as a formidable force against the powers and works of darkness.
Matthew 16:18 NKJV
“[18] And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
To build and enable the Body of Christ to stand and prevail against the powers and works of darkness, God has provided believers with a comprehensive and powerful armour, which we develop and build, as we grow and mature in Christ – in TRUTH, RIGHTEOUSNESS, assurance of SALVATION, FAITH, the WORD of GOD, EVANGELISM, PRAYER, and a life full of the HOLY SPIRIT. Building ourselves up in the components of the armour of God makes us fit for the battle and gives us victory over the powers of darkness.
Unfortunately, however, the Church, especially in Africa, is not focused on teaching believers about these things and helping them learn, grow and mature in Christ, so that they can stand in the day of battle. We are more focused on the enemy and what He is doing to us and against us. We have magnified Satan and his works in the lives of believers, rather than magnify God, His works and the victory He has already accomplished for us on the Cross, through Jesus Christ.
Believers are taught and encouraged to engage in hours of chanting, shouting and calling down fire on their perceived enemies. Others swing and wield imaginary weapons, in fighting the enemy; I once heard someone repeatedly shouting, “I shoot you Satan, POW,” during a prayer meeting.
Sadly, many believers do not even know that we are fighting a battle that has already been won. Our archenemy and his cohorts have already been defeated on the Cross. So far as we are ignorant about these things, the enemy will continue to accuse, deceive, intimidate and oppress us.
Colossians 2:14-15 NLT
“[14] He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. [15] In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.”
A few months ago, I heard these words in my spirit, “You have more working for you than against you!” I instantly knew it was the voice of the Holy Spirit! The God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are standing with us! The Word of God, the Name of Jesus, the Cross and Blood of Jesus and the heavenly hosts of angels are all together working for us and on our behalves!
I want to encourage you today that no matter how fierce and intense the battle looks like at the moment, you can have a one hundred percent assurance and certainty that victory belongs to you and to the people of God.
At the end of our annual corporate fast in January this year, the Lord gave us the following scripture as a word of prophecy, which we continue to hold on. It just dropped in my heart again and I though I should share it; perhaps, it might you too…
2 Kings 3:16-17 NKJV
“[16] And he said, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Make this valley full of ditches.’ [17] For thus says the LORD: ‘You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your cattle, and your animals may drink.’”
This is the confidence we have in God that in the midst of every challenge, opposition, resistance and battle, God will supernaturally come to our help and give us the victory. AMEN!
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)