“Some people have been taken captive to do the devil’s work.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 29, 2024
And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time. Luke 4:13
Years ago, when I was doing a lot of public speaking at conferences, there were people who occasionally came against me online and in person. I’m an empathetic sort and love people so when others said nasty things about me, it hurt. The devil used their comments to cause me to doubt myself, accept condemnation, wonder what I had done wrong, and sometimes want to quit ministry—just like the devil wanted. Their comments would swirl in my mind, and I couldn’t let them go.
One time when I had been publicly insulted, I went to see a counselor who prayed over me. She gave me some fantastic advice I still remember to this day. She reminded me that there is a battle going on here in the natural world but that we can “get above” it and embrace a heavenly perspective. Here’s how.
Get above the conflict by immediately forgiving your enemy and praying for them.
I tried what the counselor suggested as it was wise and biblical—and something wonderful happened. The sting of what the attacker said disappeared. I no longer felt like a victim. I saw them as hurting and my heart softened. I was able to let go of their condemning words. I “got above” the problem by not repaying evil for evil and blessing them instead. In this, you turn what was meant for evil against the enemy and you thwart his evil schemes.
Get above the conflict by thinking of it as an opportunity to do spiritual warfare and beat back the devil.
In Scripture the Bible says there are people who have been taken captive to do Satan’s will (see 2 Timothy 2:26). Remembering this will also help you get above the attack. It will help you embrace a heart of compassion for the person who is coming against you and help you identify your real enemy. We wrestle not against flesh and blood (see Ephesians 6:12).
Get above the conflict by noting the timing of the attack.
Perhaps something good just happened in your life or you’re thinking of starting a new endeavor for God’s kingdom. Satan and his minions don’t want God’s children to do good. So, the devil may try to distract, harm, or way lay you to keep you from moving forward through other people. God has perfectly-timed plans and so does the adversary, just like he did for Jesus when he tempted the Lord in the wilderness (see Luke 4:13) and when Job’s wife told him to “curse God and die.” (Job 2:9).
Get above the conflict by not thinking “Why is this happening to me?”
When we ask, “Why is this happening to me?” it supposes that we’re doing something that is causing others to attack us. It’s as if we’re saying, “What is it about me that makes others do this to me?” When we have that perspective, we assume we are at fault. We must remember that Jesus was perfect, and people still hated Him. Others’ hatred was not a sign of what He was doing wrong. It was a sign of what He was doing right. Don’t put your worth in what others think about you. Your worth was settled at the cross.
Go forth and be a light! Don’t waste time focusing on the negativity of others. Do battle and conquer for the Kingdom! Amen and amen!
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45).
Prayer
Lord, I bless _____. I ask that you would pour out abundant blessings on them and if they don’t know you, that they would. I pray that you would change their heart and give them a heart of peace and love for others springing from a heart defined by your love. I forgive them. Praise you for making them. Soften their heart. Amen.
Application
Apply what you learned if you are having a conflict with someone.
Related Reading
James 1:19-20; 1 Timothy 6:11; 1 Peter 3:8
Worship Resource
Hillsong Music: Who You Say I Am
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