Devo Week 19 - Discerning the Unseen Realm
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Matt.10:16
The Passover Lamb - Death is Defeated
On the path of life, a crossroad, or a fork in the road many times is a sign of spiritual warfare or crisis. A decision must be made which activates our faith. Like a door or a gate of opportunity, our choice will either add to our faith or to an element of fear in our lives. Thankfully, Jesus said He is our “Gate” –- our Way through. (John 10:7) So, we proceed ahead, following Him and trusting Him with the opening or closing of opportunities for us.
WHO IS FOR US
How we approach these crossroads or forks in the road is key. We live ‘by faith and not by sight’ (II Cor. 5:7). We have entered a relational journey with God, which surpasses simply performing rituals. As we follow Jesus daily, we exercise our life of faith. At any fork in the road, we can follow in faith or shrink back in fear. God is building a relationship with us through our choices.
We were very aware of these crossroads while living among the Akha and Akeu. We told them we were followers of Christ, so our choices were carefully watched by them. God is for us in these choices and has grace for us, even if we choose wrongly. However, our choices will impact our testimony – either toward faith or fear.
WHO IS AGAINST US
When we first arrived on Elephant Mountain and moved into the former chief’s house, the villagers watched us closely. Because the chief had died inside the house accidentally only a couple of years earlier, the villagers related this to the spiritual realm. Our choosing to live in that house was an act of spiritual warfare to them. They would visit both in the daytime and at night. Many would say, “Aren’t you afraid to live in this house?” We would respond that Jesus had overcome all evil spirits, so we were not afraid.
Our choices can be acts of spiritual warfare. Yes, we prayed throughout the house and dedicated it to the Lord while we lived there. What we didn’t realize at the time was that our family’s testimony confronted the very issue of the fear of death. In one sense, we believe one of the demonstrations of the Kingdom of God was our living among them in that house. It was our presence ‘living among them in that house’ that spoke louder than words.
PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL BREAKTHROUGH
Lord, we ask You for discernment in following the path of faith. We ask You for a spirit of wisdom and revelation to rest upon us. Each crossroad we encounter draw us closer in relationship with You and help us we choose the right path. Lord, in Your name we stand against the enemy and bind any spirits of fear that would block our path of faith. We proclaim that You are our Gate and way to abundant and eternal life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.