Spiritual Attack

I got an email today from God TV. It really saddened me to learn that Todd Bentley and his wife are experiancing marital problems, and at the moment have seperated.

A quick trip to google and the cynics are already posting with headlines such as 'Todd Bentleys Marriage Goes Bam' (I have to admit, I admire the humor in that). Fortunately there are many people who are joining the crusade to pray for them as a couple and see good things happen for them.

Lets remember James 1:2 - 4(NIV);
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

I remember someone once saying to me that the devil can't be everywhere at once, so he looks for the people who are doing good God stuff and attacks them. I see a man, Todd, who is on fire for God. And now, the attack is hitting him hard. Well, to be honest I saw it coming.

It's how WE deal with it that is the issue here. You see, so many people are quick to judge and mock, questioning how people's 'so-called' faith can allow such a thing to happen. In reality, bad stuff just happens. If you don't believe me, pick up your bible and read Job.

So, how do we avoid such spiritual attack? Well, maybe this verse from Revelation (3v15-19) will shed some light:
I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.

The truth? We can't avoid the devil wanting to attack us. BUT if we're being half-hearted about the stuff we do for God, then, well, it's kinda pointless! I want to pick up on a couple of words in that passage; Luke-warm & Indifference. How many people do we see populating a seat in a church on a sunday who can so easily be described using those words?

Let me put it another way. In the past 5 years, who have you personally known to be absolutely on fire for God. Have they constantly remained in the Glory for that amount of time? Or have they had their share of trials too?

As my Dad always says, you gotta take the rough with the smooth. You also have to accecpt that we don't know everything, and we won't ever know everything, so just ride the wave, see what happens.

Oh yeah, and have grace for those who are having trouble.

Grace, Love and Compassion.