When the battle is bigger than you

April 18, 2020 Gaspar Anastasi

Faith, Finding direction, Success & victory

King Jehoshaphat was blind-sided by the enemy. They were bigger and stronger than him, and they were coming from behind, according to all the news reports of his day. But Jehoshaphat was wise because he let his fear force him to focus on God. He cut off all the voices that were speaking fear. The Bible says “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah” (2 Chronicles 20:3).

Men, women and children from all over the country came together to seek God’s counsel and this king of Judah bared his heart to the Lord. Then the word of the Lord came to them:

“Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them.… You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’” (2 Chronicles 20:15-17)

Turn off the voices

As in Jehoshaphat’s day, today all the news is prophesying gloom and doom; and I think we should respond the same way he did. Cut off all the voices that are speaking fear. This is not a battle you should fight in your own strength. Instead, position yourself, stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf.

There are many rules and even facts that have changed since the Coronavirus pandemic started. But the word of God is unchanging. The only way for us to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord is by positioning ourselves on God’s mighty, unchangeable Word.

When you find yourself struggling between two opinions, turn off the media and turn on the Bible. Don’t just sit and focus on the facts that you see with your eyes and comprehend with your mind. Use your imagination to see all the health and protection God’s promises say He has for you. Lay down your own plan and strategy, and pick up His.

Know the nature of the battle

If you don’t understand the nature of the battle, you’ll never understand the strategy. It’s a spiritual battle. We’re fighting against principalities and powers and the darkness of this world. Therefore, our strategy, like the one God gave King Jehoshaphat, must be spiritual.

When you’re filled with anxiety and fear, you’re fighting the wrong battle. Instead, choose to believe in the Lord your God, that He’s on your side. The strategy God gave this ancient king will work for you and me, if we’ll employ it.

Let’s face this pandemic battle praising God and prophesying His truth. Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever. In so doing, we loose confusion in the enemy’s camp.

“ As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated” (2 Chron. 20:22).

What was meant to be Judah’s demise turned into their double portion blessing as they collected the spoils of a battle they didn’t even need to fight (v. 25). There was so much plunder, it took them three days to collect it all. Then they really had a praise party!

Armor up

You are essential to the region in which you live because you release the power of God into it. You were placed in your neighborhood, your family, your job, and other spheres of influence on purpose with a purpose.

Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). Put on the full armor of God so that when the evil day comes (like now) you will be positioned to triumph like Jehoshaphat’s army. Don’t fight in your own strength. Instead, position yourself, stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf.

As God told Judah, don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged. Put on the full armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18 and stand firm in it. Put on truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and use the Word of God to cast down anxious thoughts. Then, when you have done all to stand, stand some more ( v. 13). That’s how we—not only stand, but—triumph in a battle too big for us.…

How to receive a right-now miracle, pt. 2

March 28, 2020 Gaspar Anastasi

2 Comments

Uncategorized

Last week, I said that our present way of thinking is at war with the way God wants us to think. If what you need is a right-now miracle, the way we live now cannot attain it! Why?

Our motives are wrong.
We pray about things we should be speaking to. (See last week’s message for a fuller explanation.) Therefore, we need to:
We must get fully persuaded. Do you see yourself healed? Your marriage restored? If you can see it, you can have it! Belief is what catapults your faith to tear down the strongholds of the enemy. Many times, we confess things with our mouths that we don’t really believe. So how do you bridge the gap?

Your worship applies salt to the source of the problem.

Find one or two scriptures that promise what you need and soak in them. Meditating on the Word of God helps you to absorb it. The more you absorb, the more you believe. Begin to see yourself in that promise. You should be able to close your eyes and see it taking place in your life.

Take the limits off God. Get rid of the pre-conceived idea of how God is going to bless you. Rather, work on falling in love with Jesus all over again. Do you remember what it was like to be in love? Spend time thinking about Him. Magnify His beauty and power instead of what you’re facing.
Admit that you have a problem. Look back at 2 Kings 2:19-22. The city looked good outwardly, but its people were dying and barren. You and I can look good on the outside but be filled with barrenness. You go to church, shout Hallelujah. But something’s not right. You have a nice house but you have to work five jobs. You’re in a relationship now, but it’s your fifth marriage. You’re hanging on healthwise, but it’s the medication that keeps you going. And you don’t remember the last time someone came to Christ because of you. On the other hand, if you’re losing your life for Christ’s sake, there will be great fruitfulness seen in your life.
Get to the source of the problem. In order to heal the water, Elisha went to its source and cast in salt. The source is your spirit, and we “salt” our spirits through worship. Worship aligns our spirit with God. He is seeking those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth.

In Florida, dehydration can cause all kinds of health issues. Your organs can shut down. People get heart attacks because they don’t drink enough water.

Worship hydrates us and restores fruitfulness. But worship is so much more than singing songs on Sunday. It’s meditating on His Word, pressing into God, praying, digging into the artesian well of His presence. Forgiving those who offend us is a powerful act of worship. Bless those who hurt you, and you’ll begin to notice your land is no longer barren.

Worship applies salt to the source of the problem, like Elisha did. And it’s not just for you. Your worship today will bless generations to come.

If you want a miracle right now, get into the presence of God. Absorb His Word and fall in love with Him all over again.

If this blog has been a blessing to you, please leave a comment below. We love to hear from you!…