Wednesday, 29 April 2009
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New Levels = New Devils
by Clayton King
I wish I had come up with this phrase, it is both clever and true (and originated with T.D. Jakes if I am not mistaken). I have seen this principle at work time after time in my 22 years as a believer. When The Lord gives me a vision, an opportunity, or a responsibility, there will immediately follow adversity, stress, roadblocks, discouragement, and criticism. I would not call all of these things literal devils because much of what follows great opportunity or growth is the natural life cycle; when my son was born, it was one of the most difficult times in my life adjusting to no sleep, a helpless and dependent life in my house, and changing diapers. This was not a satanic attack, but rather an opportunity for my wife and I to learn how to love, sacrifice, and give. God built patience and character in both of us through this.
But there are times in our lives, just as in the lives of great characters in scripture, that the movement of God and the resistance of the devil coincide. When the devil notices that God is using you to bring the gospel to those around you, to be a witness at work or at school, or to practice the fruits of the Spirit as a testimony to the reality of Christ, then Satan will attack. He will tempt. He will chase and pursue and oppose.
Why? Because he hates Jesus. He hates the gospel, the Kingdom, and the ministry of reconciling humanity to God through Christ. And if you are the instrument and the vessel that God is using, the devil will hate you.
When God gives you new levels of influence, greater opportunities to serve, more chances to live and preach the gospel, Satan will come after you with discouragement, temptation, critics, or condemnation to slow or stop you. Be ready, and don’t be caught off guard. Where there are new levels, there are new devils.
You can be of good cheer, however, because the devil is not equal with our God. He is subordinate to our Savior. Only Jesus Christ is Almighty, and He is your strength and salvation. And remember what the book of James says in chapter 2…even the demons believe in God, and tremble at the mention of His name.
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Comments (12)
...duh?
I just reached level 99 on Final Fantasy VII... but then I met ruby weapon and he kicked my virtual bu**. So yeah, higher levels do make the monsters in the game world a way stronger.
...oh wait... this isn't Hardest Level....
@CyanideNGunpowder@xanga - *chuckles* Not everyone is so readily aware of that fact about Satan's opposition. They know Satan as real but don't get exactly how he plays into this who matter. So it's not quite as "duh" as it is for the rest of us. Even I know this, but I do need the reminder when I'm facing difficult times. Being in the thick of a mess makes it rather tough to see the whole situation.
@Lynnjynh9315@xanga - LOL Funny. But very good analogy. I've actually been lucky enough to see there's actually some very STRONG truth presented in video games...one of which was FF 12 for the Nintendo DS.
Hmmm...then Satan is behind my allergies to pollen! Darn that dangnabit Satan! XD
Very eloquent post. ^^
@NaitoOfNarnia@xanga - Final Fantasy 12 for Nintendo DS?! What? Are you sure you didn't misspeak and mean to say PS2? I'm pretty sure XII was not released for the DS....
@Lynnjynh9315@xanga - LOL I'm very sure. I'm looking at my DS game cartridge right now. "Final Fantasy XII: Reverant Wings". I've almost beaten it. But the "satan" of this game is just as stubborn as the real Satan. :P Go figure.
@NaitoOfNarnia@xanga - Ah, Reverant Wings. I concede- you are right. I forgot they made a portable sequel....
@Lynnjynh9315@xanga - Yup. I was confused, too, when I found out there is a FF 12 for PS3. One would THINK they'd relable the sequel number to avoid confusion. BAD Square Enix. BAD!
And now back to our regularly scheduled topic of Satan vs God's children.
@Lynnjynh9315@xanga - THEY DID?!
@NaitoOfNarnia@xanga - Well, and I hate how arrogant this is going to sound, but it seems like a gimmie that if there's a new thing in life there are going to be blessings and temptations that come about. Always good to get a reminder, though.
Well said and very true. Stand firm until the END! God Bless!
Amen to that.
Satan may try, but God will triumph.Stand strong in faith and nothing can stop you.So we do not only build a strong ability, but also need to have a strong mind:)