There comes a time in warfare where the threat hangs so closely over the head of the pursued that it is expedient to no longer mess around. We are in a war. We have discussed various insights into the spiritual battle over the last 25 or so podcasts. We have investigated the nature of this war, the weapons of our warfare, and the greater context of this war.
The prophet Jeremiah lived this out in his own time, and his road was a tough one. His personal life was difficult – to say the least. He had strength. He had doubts. He faced threats and adversity. He was God’s man for God’s time. He acted courageously in the face of massive trouble.
“ You who know, O Lord God, remember me, take notice of me, and take vengeance on my persecutors. Do not, in light of Your great patience, take me away; for I have endured reproach for Your sake. Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.
I did not sit in the circle of merrymakers, nor did I exult. Because of Your hand upon me I sat alone, for You filled me with indignation. Why has my pain been perpetual and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Will You indeed be to me like a deceptive stream (a promising mirage) with water that is unreliable?”
Jeremiah’s back was against the wall. He was alone. There was no One else to whom he could turn. The only strength he could count on was from the hand of God. He asks God if He will be like a wavering mirage to him. God answers. Could this be more what should be normal, rather than never asking, expecting, or hearing?
“Therefore, thus says the Lord God, “If you return, then I will restore you, before Me you will stand; and if you extract the precious from the worthless, you will become My spokesman. They for their part may turn to you, but as for you, you must not turn to them. Then I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; and though they fight against you, they will not prevail over you; for I am with you to save you and deliver you,” declares the Lord God.” – Jeremiah 15:19,20
How do we function like a “wall of bronze,” especially when we are so fragile within our humanity? Here are few things which may help. We are sure if you ask, God will tell you more!
√ We must ask God what will make me strong?
√ We must escape our deep desire to be recognized and praised by others.
√ We must walk with other warriors. A threefold cord is not easily broken, right?
√ We must keep our warfare armor close at all times.
√ We must vigilantly reject the authority and power of the adversary’s work.
√ We must faithfully gather with other intercessors who will also pursue God along with us.
√ We must be vigilant in prayer for family and loved ones.
√ We must find and stay connected with brothers and sisters who are faithful and true.
LET’S BE BOLD
We are praying with you in the Spirit today.
Is He breaking things free? Now is the time.
If you hear of or see an enemy of God, ask God to act. It is too easy to wimp out rather than “coming boldly to the throne of grace to find help in time of need.” If not now, when? Is there anything more important than communicating with Father God? With our friend and Savior Jesus? With His Holy Spirit placed within and around us?
“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
Together we are asking God to:
Break bondage in our city: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Reveal His Glory to our neighbors: Isaiah 6:1-7
Animate His powerful Word in and around us: Hebrews 4:9-16
Bring down strongholds and lofty things: 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Let’s be a wall of bronze together!
Dave and Burnadette
Psalm 18 is a good wall of bronze Psalm:
“He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”