Troubler Of Satan's Kingdom

Earlier this morning I glanced in the mirror. Staring back at me was a face showing signs of aging, "Lord, my life has been troubled and I have troubled many."

Then I recalled what my father wrote in a birthday card that arrived yesterday in the mail.

"What joy today brings on your birthday, thank you, what a gift you bring as my wonderful son to me."

Tears flooded my eyes. After all these years of pain I've caused my father, in the end he says, you are wonderful.

With God's help, I've asked those who I had offended for their forgiveness. I made every effort to mend broken relationships. For those who wounded me, sometimes unknowingly, I've asked God's grace to forgive and release the offender.

But there is one that I will always trouble. And just as Hannah prayed, I too will smile at my enemy (I Samuel 2:2).

For all the times the Devil thought my life was over, God's strong hand delivered me. Even when I resisted God's help, in His great mercy the Lord rescued me. At every turn God has frustrated the Devil by pouring out grace and strength so that I can put one more step forward, every day, walking with Christ. And one more step on the Devil's head.

Beloved, you and I are troublers of Satan's kingdom.

He doesn't expect anything from us except failure, sin and weakness since he knows how the flesh troubles us. Sometimes he doesn't have to do very much since the flesh often is the enemy. Nothing torments the devil more is a life that suddenly comes out of the ruins to bring him to ruin. Remember Revelation 12:11 says, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (KJV).

For you see, once we know the love of God who has met us through every trial and difficulty, we become fearless and this is the word of our testimony. A God who is troubled by our sin fallen nature that He loves us enough to rescue us!

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory. Isaiah 61:3 (NLT).