Darkness Doesn’t Retreat Without a Fight

Whenever God is about to do something profound, His people will inevitably face opposition. The apostle Peter said it this way: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13).

Peter was saying to the people of that time, “Do not think it is strange when we have to fight opposition as we purpose to reclaim godliness in our nation.” In the same way, if you and I are praying for an awakening in our cities and in our country, we must be prepared for the fact that darkness simply will not retreat without a fight.

The Book of Exodus tells us of the time when the Israelites were close to being delivered from the hand of the Egyptians. A new king who did not know Joseph came into power and became very oppressive. He told the people, “We will tell you what you can build, and you must build it according to our specifications. You can go to your house of worship, but you must worship our way. You will bend your knee to our will, and if you refuse, it is going to cost you!” (See Exodus 1:8-11)

This is very similar to the opposition that you and I currently face and will see in greater measure in the coming days. The freedoms we have known are now in jeopardy; laws are soon going to change for the worse. The threats have the potential to prevent the Church of Jesus Christ from realizing the power that she actually has. 

Let us believe God to fill us afresh with His Holy Spirit so that we will not bow to any threats of evil. As the Lord enables us to stand and speak His Word with boldness, we will find that our testimony will not be of ourselves but of God and His mighty power within us!

Carter Conlon joined the pastoral staff of Times Square Church in 1994 at the invitation of the founding pastor, David Wilkerson, and was appointed Senior Pastor in 2001.