THE ENEMY CAME LIKE A FLOOD

So shall they fear The name of the Lord from the west, And His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.

Isaiah 59:19 NKJV

"I do not feel like I need to be a part of a church, you know how church people are? I can read the bible alone." I told myself that lie. A clear and strategic plan of the enemy to isolate then harass and assassinate. I strongly believed that I did not need to be a part of a church or ministry because of past experiences, never thinking that I could ask the Lord for guidance on the church that I needed to attend. My reasoning was even valid and the issues were accurate but the enemy knows leaving anyone on their own with their vices eventually the person can become their enemy. To be honest I underestimated the enemy and over-estimated myself. I thought I could commit to reading some scriptures, sing some songs and pray. Initially, it started well I would wake up early morning and start in prayer, sing worship songs and I would even read scriptures. I never imagined the enemy would send the things that my heart (my sinful heart desired). It started with the need to socialize, I wanted to hang out with friends and did not want to miss any gathering. I went to a family event everyone had a cup in hand, while music played in the background. No thanks, I said to a cousin. For the first few hours, I was good, turning down drinks, there was no desire for the things I once found normal. My phone rang it was a close friend inviting me to another spot. I did not hesitate to say yes, I was able to be around all those people and not feel tempted. Not that I thought about all of this at that moment. I went the music was loud the drinks were sweet and the people were fun they were hype, this was a party. When I got home I was so upset with myself I the thoughts started coming quicker and louder. "Being a Christian is so boring how are you supposed to have fun?" The enemy started with guilt and condemnation. The thoughts that I would not be forgiven by God. When other events came around I was there, then my words started to change to align with the way I was living because I wanted to justify my actions. When I would go to church I would sit at the back until I stopped even attempting to try. The enemy came like a flood. "I tried and couldn't God see my efforts", I said to myself many times when I noticed my failure. I was failing at being a Christian, maybe I could get married to my boyfriend and we can both give our lives to Christ-in my mind I thought sexual immorality was my only sin. Sooner or later I did not even think I mattered to God, because there were so many other people that needed help. Why would he even remember me? Every thought, every position that I took was a scheme of the enemy. First, isolate, set your enemy up with the things their own heart desired and the rest is all a ripple effect. The evil spirit that came with his seven friends created a rough ripple effect. Thinking of all the things I did, the things that I said, how rude I and disobedient I was.

On the other hand, some years later I walked into my family church sat in my favourite seat at the back and there was a call, I could not resist I wanted a relationship with God. I went up but that day and months later I was still the same, same mistakes same friends, I could not change thinking the same way but I thought I could. It was like swimming against the current, I was physically working hard but wasn't going anywhere. I cried out to God one night I did not like the way my life was going. I once again attempted. This time God knew I needed help; he sent a friend to throw me a life vest. A call every few days just checking in on me. I did not even know he was a Christian at the time, his call was like a burst of fresh air on some of my hardest days. For some reason, there were times I initially did not 'feel like talking. I did not feel like being bothered.

However, a couple of years after that I was baptized and connected with a church and initially I was so guarded. I could not imagine people being so caring and loving. People that were so different than what I saw, what was normal in my culture. When those days came when I did not feel like being bothered there would be someone that would call, stop by and pull me out from the hole I was about to fall in. Being a part of the right community strengthens your faith, commitment and love for God. When the enemy came like I flood the Spirit of the Lord lifted a standard. This is our defence! For this reason, we see our biblical examples have made mistakes. When the enemy comes we can call on a name that is above all names, the name of Jesus. I was cooking one day and until now I am not exactly sure what happened but the pot I was using slipped off the stove flew in the air with boiling water all I could say was "JESUS", the enemy came like a flood but the Spirit of the Lord lifted a standard. Not a burn nor do I even remember getting wet. God is our defence! Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9 that he disciplines himself like an athlete. Like an athlete? He said to strive for the crown, the prize like when running a race. He has to bring his body under subjection, fighting with his own body to make it do what he wants. Paul was preaching to the right choir. The strength some days are there to remain faithful to God's word but there are some days the strength can seem like a wavering sea. "Lord, I need you" I cry out for backup. All of a sudden I remember to play my playlist of worship music. There have been times when an overwhelming sexual feeling may come. "Call your ex", "get thee behind me Satan!" the enemy comes like a flood. Furthermore, in 2 Samuel 13 in the home of David, the enemy came in like a flood when Amnon fell in love with his half-sister that was still a virgin. His friend convinced him to pretend to be sick and her serve him the food which he did. he requested that Tamar the sister come to his room to serve him, he grabbed her and told her to get in bed with him. She refused and begged him not to bring shame to her but he was overwhelmed by his feelings and he raped her. The feeling he had of love toward her was replaced with the hate-the enemy at his tricks. This must-have brought her so much shame, anger, resentment and frustration. How could she still love her brother after something like this? Her brother Absalom found out and encouraged her to remain quiet, he will deal with it. When a brother says he will deal with it, the outcome could be worse than what you were thinking. Absalom never said anything to Amnon as they were both brothers but he hated him for what he did. Absalom waited for two years, plotted and had his brother Amnon killed. Absalom ran away while leaving his father mourning. The enemy came in like a flood.

Finally, remember the Israelites after being rescued from cruel and harsh conditions? They were freed and began complaining not only did they complain but they no longer worshipped God. The same God that saved them. Numbers 11:2-4 says the people yielded to the intense craving, another version says they had greedy desires. Imagine if God grants us our hearts desires even when our hearts are sinful and wrong. Psalm 37:4 says we must first delight ourselves in the Lord so we are one with Him and He will then give you the desires of your heart. Your heart is no longer like that of the world or in line with your past self. The Lord said I saved you, why would I not give you the good things? When we are overwhelmed with life's frustration: bills, children, spouse, jobs God has compassion. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved from frustration, heartache and pain. The enemy comes in many different ways to remove kingdom kids from their potential, their covering, from hearing God's word that is specific for them, from connecting with people that can help build their spiritual man. The guy takes no vacation and like any stalker knows your moves just as well as you know your moves. The enemy is not greater or stronger than God but he is more aggressive and uses many ways to deceive people. When the enemy comes the Spirit of the Lord lifts a standard, a shield and hedge of protection. Kingdom kids have an alarm system set when there is an emergency. The Lord is our defence!

References: Psalms 37:4, Matthew 7:7, Psalms 21:2, Psalms 81:10, Job 27:10

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