Wade Out and Break Through
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Isaiah 60:1 (KJV)
Hannah’s beak through came after difficulty and discouragement. She had to fight through negativity, blame and discouragement so great it could cause her faith to waiver. If Satan could stop her prayers he could stop a great prophet and he could crush the faith of the faithful. But opposition oftentimes means we are stepping on something Satan doesn’t want to happen. I have often heard my mother-in-law say that if the devil isn’t fighting us then he has us just where he wants us.
When we petition God, a spiritual war is started. God begins to invade what Satan considers his territory and he is not going to let go without a fight. More often than not, it is a fierce fight and we are going to have to wade through the muck and mire to break through to what God’s will is for our life.
The muck and mire comes in many forms. For Hannah, it was hypocrisy of preachers, phony sacrifices by the church and the offer for more love and favor from her husband. What is it for you? Are you struggling with the fast, are you doubting God or questioning what He wants you to do?
John Piper in his book, A Hunger for God, wrote these words: Fasting tests where the heart is. And when it reveals that the heart is with God and not the world, a mighty blow is struck against Satan. Send the final blow Satan’s way. Fast and pray. Let your fast reveal your heart is with God and not the world.
Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Ephesians 6:10 (NASB)
Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:1-20