New Level, New Devil

Author:
June 27, 2017

New Level, New Devil

By: Pastor Chris

In 1 Peter 4:12, the word of God says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (ESV) That means that you should not be surprised as you’re going through trials and challenges in your life whether from your job, home life, finances, or in other personal areas. The enemy is after your integrity; he is after your life and your ministry. (John 10:10) As an anointed person of God, the enemy will always attack you, regardless of what stage you are in ministry or life. The higher we go in life, the greater the attack that will be upon us.   One of the ways that I know that God is working is when the enemy comes in and legitimizes the fact that what God is doing for me is FOR REAL. If it wasn’t for God and it weren’t a threat to the enemy’s agenda, the enemy wouldn’t bother to mess with me! Your anointing attracts attacks! But due to the favor of God upon your life, He will always cause you to triumph. David’s great victory against Goliath was his “coming out” party. This party spotlighted David where he became known to the people. It wasn’t his first battle, but it was the first battle that he had an audience. What’s done in private, will come to the public. Although David’s triumph over Goliath was major, it wasn’t his greatest battle. Unbeknownst to him, his greatest battle was just about to begin. All of David’s greatest battles happened within. Defeating Goliath with the slingshot and stone was admirable, but it was a familiar way of combat for him. It was like having homecourt advantage. He took the same familiar approach to that challenge as he did when fighting the lion and the bear. We must realize that we must step up mentally for the next challenge. Saul antagonized David and had a jealous spirit. (1 Sam 18:10) As a result, David became frustrated and confused by Saul’s behavior. After all, he hadn’t wronged Saul in any way, He didn’t deserve his contempt. However, David didn’t respond to Saul’s bad behavior based off his feelings. Instead he responded with an attitude of praise and he used worship every day to help him get through it. Here are a few things to remember to help you honor the process: 

1) Pain is part of the process      

2) Praise is a part of the process 

3) Promotion is a part of the process

Every time we face a new season it is a call to trust God at a new level. God will put people around you who will help you reach your new level just like God connected David and Jonathan to be covenant brothers. Satan has no authority to close what God has opened. The only authority he has is the authority you give him. Remember, greatness comes through your sacrifice and your faith and trust in God. You are an OVERCOMER! No one goes to the next level without some pain. You have to learn to expect trouble right before the triumph. Keep pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. You may not like what step you’re on now, but be confident that your steps are ordered by God and that if you remain willing and obedient, God will lead you to your expected end. (Jer. 29:11)

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