Whisper of the Enemy

Russian Cold War archenemy, Leonid Brezhnev, whispers in President Nixon’s ear

Someone said that when Jesus became real to them, so did the Devil. The fact is the moment we become followers of Jesus a spiritual target is drawn on our lives. With spiritual life comes spiritual attack. But the target is not so much on our backs as it is in our ears. The forces of hell subtlety and unceasingly whisper into the ear of God’s people…

Quit.

This one little word can give rise to great discouragement and defeat. It can convince us that what we are doing is futile, stupid, and/or that no one cares. It can cause our hearts to sink. It will entice our minds to dwell on past failures and disappointments, and give up on any hope for future success.

Anxious and unable to sleep

Paul was seeing incredible things happen in the city of Corinth, but one night he heard the insidious whisper of the Enemy to quit. As he tossed back and forth in his bed, God suddenly appeared to him and said…

“Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” (Acts 18:9–10, NLT)

Paul took those words to heart. He didn’t quit, but continued on for another year and a half, and accomplished great things in the city of Corinth. This experience, along with other times that God encouraged Paul, led him to write these words…

“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)

Paul is telling us that when the whisper of hell says quit, give up, or throw in towel, it is important that our spiritual eyes remain focused on three things:

1. Your calling has hope attached to it!

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!

2. 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!

3. 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 a lie of the enemy…even if it’s just a whisper.