Wearing Down the Saints

I regularly speak to large and small gatherings about God, story, and creativity. In the last year, I’ve noticed how overwhelmed, worn out, or disheartened the majority of these creative believers are. 

It’s like there’s a contagion in the air. For most, the effect is low-level resignation. For others, it’s an onslaught of chaos in multiple areas of their lives. And for some, it’s outright persecution. 

I believe this is a sign of the times. And it’s not coincidental that it’s aimed at believers. Because we have an enemy. The book of Daniel reveals his goal: “And he will speak against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One…” (Daniel 7:25 NASB) Another translation puts it this way: “He will defy the Most High God and wear down the saints with persecution…” (Daniel 7:25 TLB) 

But we aren’t without hope. Not at all. No matter how it may feel, you aren’t the one running out of time. The enemy is. He knows his time is short and is raging over that truth. (Revelation 12:12) 

Scripture offers a three-fold strategy to counter the enemy’s scheme: 

1) Be aware of what’s really going on and know you’re not alone. As Peter says: Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. (1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT)  

2) Resist the enemy through union with God: So give yourselves completely to God. Stand against the devil, and the devil will run from you. (James 4:7 NCV)  

3) Stay with God and stay in the game: Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with God. (Psalm 27:14 MSG) 

What you’re doing for the kingdom matters more than you imagine. Yes, it’s opposed. But with God, we don’t have to be weary creators.

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