Our fight is not with people. It is against the leaders and the powers and the spirits of darkness in this world. It is against the demon world that works in the heavens. ~Ephesians 6:12 (NLV)
We miss the mark by miles when we believe our problems are with the people that we encounter every day. There is a very real enemy operating in a very real spiritual realm that is going to come against anyone who wants to trust in God or do His will. Living for God is a light in this world that the enemy wants to put out at every turn. We are called to perpetuate the Kingdom of God on this earth just as Jesus did and to do that, we have to take ground from the enemy. We must walk in the authority we have been given and bring righteousness, peace, and joy on the scene at every given opportunity. Billions of people are “under the influence” of an unseen enemy who is wreaking havoc on their lives and in the lives of their loved ones. This enemy causes division and strife among family members, workplaces and even in churches! He uses people who are unable to see through His schemes and undisciplined in godliness. God is alive and well and He is speaking just as clear to us today as He has been since He created mankind. But are we listening? And do we take into account the repercussions of not listening? Being able to truly discern a situation and bring peace between people sometimes requires a miracle from God. But thank the Lord He performs miracles on our behalf every day!
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a bunch of drama and discord? Many times, we just want to get away from the people and situation. But that isn't necessarily going to make things better. In 2 Timothy 2:22 the Lord tells us “pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.” (NLV) God expects us to stick it out with those who are struggling to maintain their own peace much less any peace around them. Hurting people hurt people and we are all hurting to some degree. When we find ourselves broken God promises to lift others up around us to be a prop for us until we can regain our strength in our daily battles. Be that person if you can. A little encouragement goes a long way! Sometimes that last straw comes in the form of a child that just won’t get it together or a sickness that lingers. We don’t know what others are going through, but we know that we have troubles and troubles can wear you down and wear you out! If you are struggling to maintain peace in any area of your life today the first thing you must do is recognize that struggle is not with any person. Then begin praying for the broken people in your life that are perpetuating their pain and watch God turn that situation around. Don't lose ground to the enemy by reacting to negative situations negatively. Perpetuate peace in the midst of the havoc and make a difference for God's Kingdom in your world today.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. ~Romans 14:17-18 (NIV)
What has God been telling you about your role in challenging relationships?
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