Rising Up in New Strength

Ask anyone who has been called by God to step out into some new work of the kingdom and that person will tell you that Satan has come at him in a rage, hurling one affliction after another.

So it was in the life of Christ. As soon as Jesus had been baptized, with the dove appearing and the voice from heaven declaring him the Lamb of God, Satan went to work. He knew he had only forty days and nights to try to devour Jesus and stop his ministry (see Matthew 4). No sooner did Jesus declare Peter a rock of faith than Satan moved in to sift the disciple, driving him to unbelief and betrayal (see Luke 22:31).  

I know what this kind of hellish attack is all about because it happened to me when God gave me a fresh call to ministry. After spending much time in prayer, I sensed God’s call to expand my ministry by speaking to pastors around the world.  

I was planning to speak to gatherings of pastors in France, Romania, Poland, and the Balkans. No sooner had I scheduled this trip than Satan moved in. Up to that point I had been at the peak of health, but suddenly I was struck down physically. Within a matter of hours, I became so weak that I could hardly walk. I felt sharp, agonizing internal pains and soon blotches appeared on my stomach.

A doctor friend told me I had shingles, a disease that comes from the remains of childhood chickenpox. The devil seemed to be laughing, saying, “So you’re taking on this new ministry, are you? You won’t, if I can help it.”

In such moments, believers must cling to the promises of scripture. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:12-13, NKJV).  

Within weeks of my trip, all of my sores disappeared. The Lord raised me up and gave me new strength. It all was warfare from hell. It has always been this way throughout my years in ministry.  

Every new acceptance of a call from the Lord will be followed by demonic attacks, when we are sincerely following God. Hold fast, dear saint!