Journey to Healing-Spiritual Warfare
“They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw it into confusion. So we prayed to our God and stationed a guard because of them day and night. In Judah, it was said: The strength of the laborer fails, since there is so much rubble. We will never be able to rebuild the wall. And our enemies said, ‘They won’t realize it until we’re among them and can kill them and stop the work. When the Jews who lived nearby arrived, they said to us time and again, ‘Everywhere you turn, they attack us.’ So I stationed people behind the lowest sections of the wall at the vulnerable areas. I stationed them by families with their swords, spears, and bows. After I made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, ‘Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the great and awe-inspiring Lord, and fight for your countrymen, your sons and daughters, your wives and homes.” —Nehemiah 4:8-14
During the storm of my health issues, this verse was a reminder that I serve an awe-inspiring God who fights for me! This verse also points out the very real tactic of the enemy whose purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. Satan’s goal is to confuse us, slow us down, and to stop the restoration and fruitful work in our lives.
Every time I’ve started to walk toward God in a restoration or rebuilding process, I have always been met with a distraction, confusion, or obstacles in my way. Normally, I’m not one to give up but lately this battle has been brutal, even now as I write this, I’m honestly tempted to turn and run from my giants. Sister, the truth is that when I open up the Word of God, I see victory over those very giants standing in my way. God continues to show up and make a way that I didn’t even know there was. So I WILL keep trusting God in the rebuilding, and I will not back down.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of one of power, love and sound judgement.” —2 Timothy 1:7 CSB
Sweet sister, your battle is not of flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12). There will always be resistance in life. It’s part of the trial and troubles we are promised in John 16:33, but don’t forget the second half of the verse; “But take heart; I have overcome the world.” When we experience repeated exposure to resistance (think of an exercise resistance band) the resistance becomes the tool that makes us stronger. It draws us closer to God.
If you cling to Jesus and choose not to be led astray by the taunting of the enemy, but rather use the tools of Ephesians 6:10-18 then your faith will make Satan’s plan backfire on himself. Put on the Full Armor of God by speaking the Word of God ALOUD for the enemy to hear, and rest in the shadow of your Almighty’s wings (Psalm 91) because you my dear are worth fighting for!
When the next battle rages and tempts you to run from your giant, remember that you are a fierce warrior who needs to pick up the sword of the Holy Spirit and charge confidently at your giant. The enemy will not win if you keep moving forward with the Lord on your side. Keep showing up to church, keep meeting with your mentors and Godly friends, keep pouring out love and grace, keep pressing forward no matter what you feel because Jesus is with you. You will make it THROUGH.
Do not stay stuck in fear or despair, stand up and FIGHT! No more backing down, mama. There is too much at stake for our family and generations to come if we run the other way. It’s time to get in the Word. It’s time to declare the TRUTH over our situation. It’s time to rebuild what the enemy stole! It’s time to take it back in Jesus name!
-Cassie Rhoda and the Help Club for Moms Team