"The Struggle" is Real

Recently, I met a young lady in my class that said she awoke that morning to do battle. She had purposed in her heart that she was going to avenge her father's murderer, and anyone that harmed her brother especially would pay. Nothing was going to stop her because she was "locked in." 

She was on a journey; a warpath and she shared how God had recently spared her life in an incident that could have ended her life very similar to how her father was killed. She acknowledged that she impulsively stood up and walked to the other side of the room as flying bullets merely missed her. She reluctantly called 911, because there were several warrants out for her arrest. However, when she did; the very ones whom she had considered an enemy actually saved her life. 

Know Your Opponent 

Ephesians 6:12 says, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

The police told her that someone else had called 911 before she had, and that they knew of her outstanding warrants. Nevertheless, they were there to protect her and they told her to stay on the ambulance. This was the second miracle, because she had already envisioned jail in her mind.  Still perplexed about her current situation, it wasn't until she heard the word of God in class, and felt him drawing her through His truths about her life that she understood that her vision was not God's vision for her life.

This reminds me of Saul. He was so convinced that he was doing the work of God and fixated on "his mission" that he didn't see what God was doing (Acts 9). While we know that "where there's no vision the people perish" (Prov 29:18), with a clear vision and a determined heart, mighty things can be done! In Saul's case, the outcome would have been disastrous. Saul who had been named after King Saul; had the Right God, the Right Word, and the Wrong Vision, the Lord in his love, grace and mercy blinded Saul temporarily to save him from himself.

The Lord asked him, (4)" Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" And Saul replies, "Who art thou, Lord?" The Lord replies (5)"I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." Thank God for interruptions! (Interrupt me Jesus, anytime). We read on and see how later God changes Saul's name to Paul; which means small or little, thus showing God's Diety and Christ' Lordship which matches his new identity in Christ. 

The Battle Is Not Yours

He now has the Right God, the Right Word, and the Right Vision...some could call him the Right Reverend, Lol! Paul goes on and does some amazing things for God, and so can you. You shall because God's word says, "Greater works shall you do in my name"(John 14:12). I'm so excited to partner with this new student on her journey and she is too! She understands that she is in the right place at the right time and now she has the right vision! As Believers, prayer is our first line of defense, but whatever God has for her, may He be glorified. 

This is an admonishing to all of us to stay focused, but not so fixated that God can't interrupt or interject! After all, He knows exactly what we need. 

I love you all, but God loves you more!