The Narrow Gate
Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in
at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way,
that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in
thereat:
If you are not under attack, you are either not aware of the subtle devices of the enemy, or you are right where he wants you to be. If you are being attacked to the point you feel that you can not bare any more, rejoice and praise GOD, you are pressing through the narrow gate. Time is short, the end of the age is upon us. Lets be honest, the Devil is winning and it will get worse before it gets better. Satan is going to win this one folks! He is going to win the day! The Dragon will rule the world. The Scripture tells us this, and that things will become so bad if GOD doesn't intervene even the Elect will fall. Jesus is our only hope, we can't win this one. We are never going to turn this world into a utopia, or even into a livable slum. This world belongs to Satan, he is the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4). We are not of this world, our place is in Heaven. But here we are, as one of my favorite songs says "down on earth is where i am. No wings to fly, nowhere to stand. Here on my knees i am a stranger in this land." (DCTalk). Thats all there is, total dependence on GOD. If you are trying it on your own, you're either dancing with the devil or running from him.
So what is a vessel of clay to do? Nothing... and everything. You can't do a thing; all our works are as filthy rags. Jesus can do everthing, through you, if you let Him. We are nothing but clay in the Masters hand. Can we suppose to tell Him how he should mold us? Do we think to choose what service He will put us to? We are His, He molds us as He will, uses us for His pleasure. We serve GOD, not the other way around. And if He allows satan to buffet us as part of our molding, who are we to curse the instrument of GODs will. Praise GOD in your affliction. Welcome His correction. Did He remove the suffering from His Son? The path to glory is the Way of the Cross. When Job asked the question "Why?", GOD replied "Who are you that you should question ME?". His will is sufficient, His grace our only refuge. Are you ready to give all?
Is this a hard word? Does it sound a bit extreme? Who is GOD and what are You? Be honest with yourself. Look deep inside. Are you ready to die for Him? Jesus died for you. Are you ready to suffer? The apostles suffered. Jesus promised us eternal life, He also promised us that the world would hate us, they hated Him. We are not of this world, we do not fit here. We are born of the Spirit. This worlds future is already written, it is on a nose dive into the pit. They will embrace the antichrist when he comes, we will be the enemy. Everyone will hate you. You are a thorn in the worlds side.
Say you can deal with that? No problem, let the world hate us. You are going to be a big tough spirit warrior. You have the power of the Holy Spirit, you're going to bust some strong holds, bruise some demon head... The devil is rolling on the floor. You are nothing, it is Christ in you. You start trying to be superman and you are dancing with the devil again. Jesus is the only power, in our weakness He is strong. If you go out in your strength the devil will back up just enough to get you rushing headlong over a cliff. But if you accept the knife in the back, without rebuking, without complaint, then Jesus will bring satan to his knees. How did our Lord gain the ultimate victory? He died on a cross. How did Stephen do it? He praised GOD, and prophesied while being stoned to death. Peter was crucified upside down. You want first century power, you have to have first century faith. A willingness to give up all, even unto death. We don't need to fight, we need to serve.
Some might say i am being fatalistic and denying the gifts of the Spirit, GOD Forbid. The power of GOD is within us, it works through us, as long as we stay out of the way. But we are too quick to puff ourselves up... i'm a prophet... i can do miracles... GOD has blessed me... there goes satan rolling on the floor laughing again. (Maybe we can kill him with laughter) Wake up! You are nothing but a vessel, GOD speaks through you. You can do nothing, GOD works the miracle. Remember Moses and the rock? He got water, but it kept him out of the promised land. Yes, i can cast out a demon, i know the words, but satan would laugh in my face, he knows the words too. Only when we let go of Self and trust GOD without reserve can the real battles be won, because only Jesus can win them for us.
Hard times are ahead. We need faith, not strength. Grace, not power. But with faith we will be given the very strength of Christ, and by grace we will receive power. He who would be first will be last, and the last shall be first. Humble yourself, or GOD will humble you. Obey HIM in all things, and HE will strengthen you. If you think yourself humble, try again, you are not. If you feel strong in the Spirit, sorry, only in your weakness can the Spirit work through you. Logic will not get you through in the realms of the Spirit. There, only obedience counts. Let go... be molded by the Masters Hand.