FAITH’S FIERCE WAR

Beloved, we are in a fierce war that is a life-and-death struggle for our faith. Satan is determined to shipwreck and destroy the faith of God’s elect, and the stronger your faith, the greater his attack against it will be.

When faith is shattered or lost, believers become weak and turn to idolatry and wickedness. Paul warned that some had cast aside their faith. He charged Timothy to fight the good fight by “holding faith and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck [ruined]” (1 Timothy 1:19).

He also warned Timothy, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1). Together with Timothy, Paul warned the church that Satan would attempt to overthrow the faith of some. “Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some” (2 Timothy 2:18).

Peter came under a ferocious attack by Satan against his faith. His faith so enraged hell that the devil asked permission to sift it to see if it would stand. “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not” (Luke 22:31-32).

A Christian with unshakable faith is marked as “Enemy No. l” in hell and the reason is this: By faith and its released power; kingdoms are subdued; righteousness is born; promises of God are obtained; the mouths of lions are shut; satanic fire is quenched; and there is escape from the sword. Out of weakness the faithful are made strong and become brave in the battle, turning the devil’s army to flight. These faithful ones wake the dead and don’t give in when tortured. They gladly endure mockings, beatings, stonings, and, if locked in jail, they sing.

Faith sustains those who possess it!