Fiery darts!

Over the weekend, my husband and I watched the DVD, Pilgrim's Progress. It follows the story from the book, Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan--a book which he wrote while in prison for preaching the gospel. It is an excellent book and though the movie could have been better and was a bit hokey at times, we enjoyed it. It helped to remind me that life here on earth is really a journey to Heaven and that the journey is not always pleasant. In fact, the main character in the book and movie, Christian, encounters nothing but trouble and heartache and attacks of the enemy along his journey. So why are we surprised when we encounter troubles?

In the movie, whenever Christian made progress in his journey or was about to make a huge advance, the enemy came at him with all he had, flinging those fiery darts at Christian, darts of discouragment and doubt. This weekend, my husband and I had a massive fiery dart tossed our way in regard to some shocking news from one of our children. The kind of news that takes awhile to sink in and when it does, it causes you to become extremely anxious and distressed. Neither I or my husband could sleep last night due to the torment of the enemy over this trial put before us. But, watching the movie reminded me that we are in a battle and our faith will be constantly tested as we journey. Not only that, but the enemy wouldn't mess with us unless we were messing with him! In other words, we must be doing something good for the Kingdom of God or we wouldn't be tormented.

Today is a new day, and the trial remains, but after spending time at the feet of Jesus this morning, I am refreshed and strengthened and reminded to put on my armor.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.......

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:12-16

It is Faith and faith alone that defeats the enemy. Faith in who, in what? Faith in God, Faith that He sits on the throne, Faith that He is in control, Faith that He loves me and Faith that All things work together for good for those who love God and who are called according to His Purpose.

So, whatever fiery darts you are facing today, get on your knees and pray, then rise and be strong, and have faith, for Everything is possible for him who believes Mark 9:23