Somebody once said that the moment you step into leadership, a target is drawn on your back. Any leader can attest to this. With the position comes attack. But for those who are in spiritual leadership positions, the target is not so much on their backs as it is in their ears. And the attack is subtle; in fact, it’s just a whisper.
Into the ear of every leader in God’s kingdom, the forces of hell quietly, subtlely, and unceasingly whisper…
Quit.
O the lies and distortion that come through this one little word! It tries to convince the leader that what they are doing is futile, stupid, and that no one cares. It causes a leader’s heart to swell with insecurity and discouragement. It will entice the leader’s mind to dwell on past failures and disappointments, and give up on any vision for the future.
This is why Paul prays for us!
“I pray that the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceedingly greatness of His power towards us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:18-19)
When the whisper to quit, give up, or throw in the towel, comes from the foul lips of the enemy, having the ability to see three things is essential: 1) the hope of your calling, 2) your great value to God, 3) and the limitless power that is in you.
“that you may know what is the hope of His calling” God’s calling gives hope. It is centered on hope. God hasn’t chosen you to fail or succumb to attack. He, who gives life and calls those things which are not as though they were, has called you!
“what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” You’re God’s great treasure. You’re his valuable inheritance. You’re the apple of his eye. He chose you and loved you before you ever knew him. That will never change!
“what is the exceedingly greatness of His power towards us who believe” You have God’s limitless power within you. Inside of you is the same spirit that rose Jesus from the grave. No weapon formed against you can or will prosper. All of heaven is shouting for you to not quit, but press on, continue, and keep going. Anything or anyone that says otherwise is lying…especially when it’s a whisper.
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