One Last Stand

Over the past few weeks the phrase "one last stand" has been going through my mind over and over again.

I'm not sure why I feel led to write a post on this, but maybe it's for someone who will stumble across my blog, maybe it's a step of faith for the situations in my life, or maybe it's both.

A few years ago I heard a message about the enemy's one last stand.  It was from Mark 9, about when Jesus healed a demon possessed boy.

For those who don't know the story, a man brought his demon possessed son to Jesus' disciples to drive the demon out.  The demons would throw the boy to the ground, cause him to foam at the mouth, and gnash his teeth.  It would be a horrific sight and experience.

Jesus stepped into the chaos of the situation, and when the demon saw Jesus it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion, rolling on the ground and foaming at the mouth.

Read Mark 9:14-29 for the entire story.

What has been rolling around in my head over the past few weeks is the fact that when the demon saw Jesus, it knew exactly who Jesus is and that Jesus has the power and authority to drive it out.  So, to cause one last distraction, one last scene, one last bit of chaos, it threw the boy into a convulsion.

If you read on in the story, Jesus commanded the the demon to come out of the boy, and with the final bout of convulsions, it came out.

Sometimes I've wondered why after praying, and praying, and praying some more.  And after tears, and more praying, why do some situations appear to be worse than before?

Why, when praying for friends and family members who are far from God, does it seem like my prayers only make the situation worse?

Could it be that as I/we pray the enemy is getting scared because he knows exactly who Jesus is and knows that when Jesus enters the situation he must leave?  I believe this is true.

The more we pray and intercede, the harder satan is going to try to pull those we are praying for away.  BUT, that does not mean that we stop praying.  Instead, it means we just have to continue praying and interceding.  Because Jesus already has the victory, as we intercede on behalf of those we love, He is working.  And, the craziest thing I've been realizing lately is the reality that even in the midst of when satan is trying his hardest to keep people living in sin, his plan ultimately will backfire in his face.  Though he is working overtime, the truth of Jesus and the light of His word will expose the darkness.  And, when breakthrough comes, the very areas satan tried to destroy someone in becomes an increased testimony to people they would have never been able to reach in the same way before.

I hope that makes sense.

So, when discouragement comes and you feel like things are just getting worse, have hope.  Jesus IS working.  The enemy is terrified out of his mind.  He knows who Jesus is.  He knows EXACTLY who Jesus is.  Jesus already beat sin, death, and hell.

I'm going to keep on praying.  Keep on believing that what I see right now is one last stand.  I'm trusting God for breakthrough.  And I can't wait to hear the testimony of God's faithfulness and goodness!  And I know one day I'll hear the words from their lips "It (every prayer) was worth it."  Amen.