For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4
I have a friend of mine who loves to hunt. He goes to Africa quite often to hunt big game. He has a powerful rifle, Nitro Express, that cost him a small fortune. Talk about a big gun – WOW! The bullets it shoots are huge. That gun can do some damage and stop a charging elephant in his tracks. You have to have a big gun when facing big game. Otherwise, you are dead meat.
BIG GUNS
Does God equip His people with big guns? Or do we simply face every battle with a slingshot and a stick, as David did with Goliath?
The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh. We have BIG GUNS to fire at the enemy, but they are not the guns of this world.
PAUL AND SILAS USED BIG GUNS
Paul and Silas were in Philippi doing the will of God: exposing the deeds of darkness and preaching the Word of God without apology or compromise. In so doing, they faced serious opposition as the devil incited the people to come against them in a big way. Paul and Silas ended up beaten, bloodied, and imprisoned with their feet in the stocks (see Acts 16).
The devil, that fierce, roaring lion, seemed to have them in his grasp. They were down and out in Philippi. Or were they? At midnight, in the midst of great physical and emotional pain and demonically inspired adversity, Paul and Silas resisted the urge to gripe, complain, doubt and despair. Instead, they pulled out the big guns.
“But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25)
Now I can see praying in that situation, but singing hymns of praise to God? WOW! That praise said to God, “No matter what, Lord, we know You are in control of this situation. We trust You, love You, and exalt Your name in the midst of our suffering because You alone are worthy.”
BOOM! In response to their prayer and praise, God sent an earthquake that shook the house. God brought about a jailhouse rock! Lives were touched and changed for all eternity as the jailer and his whole household received Christ as Savior and Lord. Great rejoicing took place that night. And it all started because the big guns of prayer, praise, and faith were unleashed in that prison.
IN YOUR LIFE
My friend, do you find yourself in trouble today in ministry? Is the devil charging at you full force? Are you afraid and don’t know what to do? Have you been doing the will of God only to experience suffering and hardship because of it? Are you ready to throw in the towel and follow the terrible advice of Job’s heartbroken wife who said to Job, “Curse God and die!”?
Listen, it’s time to pull out the big guns … especially in ministry! It is time to start praying, praising, and believing God no matter what! Your “jailhouse rock” is coming. Don’t give up! Don’t despair! Don’t quit! There is great power in prayer and praise. Satan hates it when we pray, and he can’t handle the praise and faith.
The big guns are at your disposal. They are the weapons of our warfare. They tear down strongholds and put the devil to flight. Will you employ the big guns today? Your ministry will be blessed and God will be beside you all the way.
Love,
Dr. Jeff Schreve
From His Heart Ministries
Pastor, First Baptist Church, Texarkana, TX
