STAY WITH THE WORD

08/25/2024

"These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble" (Mark 4:16-17).

One of the signs that you have received something tangible from the Lord—and need to be vigilant to retain it—is the sudden onset of adversity. When your heart is properly aligned, and you receive something from the Lord, whether during a service or a time of prayer, your sensitivity must be heightened to what follows next. The enemy will often launch an attack to steal what you’ve just received.

However, this attack will only succeed with your consent or participation. You might ask, "How could I possibly consent to my own attack?" To answer this, let’s look at the story of Jesus and His disciples on the lake. "Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, 'Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.' And they launched out" (Luke 8:22). Notice how Jesus’ words set their course in the spiritual realm, and then they launched out in the direction of His word. Perhaps you received a word about your health, and in your joy, you went to the hospital to confirm what you received.

But as Mark 4:23-24 says, "But as they sailed, He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, ‘Master, Master, we are perishing!’ Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm." On your way to the hospital, the job interview, or the wedding reception, the enemy may show up with scare tactics. His goal is to dispossess you of the word you’ve embraced.

In the realm of spiritual warfare, the moment you receive something tangible from God, your job is to stay vigilant. Pay attention to and pray about every dream, vision, prompting, or suggestion that contradicts God’s word to you. The Bible instructs us to "cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Do not negotiate with any contrary thoughts, pictures, or words. Refute them and declare God’s word, holding fast to it with confidence. One of the enemy’s secrets is that he quickly runs out of steam. When he barks and you don’t budge, he has no bite and will leave you until another opportune time. "Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time" (Luke 4:13).

This is why you must remain sober, especially in kairos seasons. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). The moment you receive something from God, your guard should immediately go up, just as Jesus did during the three temptations. Use God’s word as your defense. Keep declaring it until you see it come to pass.

Good ground is "...those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience" (Luke 8:15).

In this season, don’t let any amount of intimidation cause you to lose your hold on the word you’ve received. Outlast any siege by keeping God’s word on your lips and in your heart.

Faith-Filled Confession  

God is my refuge and strength, my very present help in adversity. Therefore, I keep the word of God on my lips and in my heart, knowing that no matter the circumstances, I am defended and advancing in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Glory be to God!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan: Psalm 124-127; 1 Corinthians 7:1-24