This week we continue to answer the following question: How does God’s enemy come after His people and His leaders for the sole purpose of distracting, disrupting and derailing them from being involved in God's great mission?
As we survey Pauline literature we will discover fourteen tactical strategies that the enemy will use to come after God's people along with specific antidotes in addressing that problem. See the introduction to this series to receive an overview of this subject.
7. Sickness & Disabilities
Text: II Corinthians 12:7 - To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
Problem: “Satan can use a physical sickness or disability to prey upon a believer and instill doubts about God and His enabling grace. But God can also use these things to prevent abuse of power and pride in a leader’s life.” J. Robert Clinton
Antidote: “Don’t let sickness rob you of your trust in God. Seek His enabling grace (whether or not He chooses to heal you).” J. Robert Clinton
Reflective Questions:
- Are you experiencing any physical limitations or prolonged pain in your life at this time?
- Is anyone in your church experiencing any physical limitations or prolonged pain at this time?
- If so, how would you describe the level of discouragement you are facing? 1 (minimal discouragement) to 10 (extreme discouragement)
- Have you experienced any intense doubts about God's love, power, and grace in your life and ministry?
- Can you see any good from what you are experiencing at this time? (Romans 8:28)
Prayer: Father in Heaven, grant us the discernment to see behind the illnesses we endure; to face them as discouraging attacks from the enemy by standing strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10) or to see the loving discipline of God in them to promote holiness in Your church (Hebrews 12:7-11). Father, save us from doubting Your love, power, and presence in our lives and teach us to run towards You and embrace the grace of God in humble dependence. In the strong name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Next Week: Lies, Half-Truths & Unreliable Perspectives
To view the entire series of posts on Spiritual Warfare
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