DO NOT TAKE A VACATION!
One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth upon it.” Job 1:6-7
There’s a reason Jesus prayed without ceasing. And there’s a reason I am told to do the same. While I have a God who is always aware, active, and faithful, I have an enemy who is roaming back and forth, aware, active but destructive. I cannot take a vacation from spiritual alertness and unceasing prayer.
For every action, there is a reaction in human relationships,. When I do something, then someone responds. If I am kind, they make a move. If I’m hostile, they bristle. If I move close, they might express mutual desire.
As is true in the physical, so it is in the spiritual world. When I sow something spiritual, I reap something spiritual. When I draw close to God, His heart responds and draws near to me. If I sin and push Him away, He doesn’t barge His way into my heart again. He responds by waiting at a respectful distance.
My enemy also has quick reflexes to the activity of a child of God. Every time I act, he reacts. If I advance the Kingdom through Spirit-filled labor, he will retaliate. If I sin, he preys to tempt me again. That’s why prayer must keep up its momentum because everything is constantly in motion.
Sometimes after a spiritual mountaintop, I believe that I can rest and let down my guard. I believe there is a lull. Not true! There is never a lull. Though things appear quiet, there is scheming at the gates of hell. The church is promised victory if the prayers of the saints prevail against it.
Resting in You is not taking a break from prayer. You provide a refuge after the battle is waged on my knees. Give me grace to endure as a soldier. Amen
For more from Christine Wyrtzen and Jaime Wyrtzen Lauze, please visit www.daughtersofpromise.org
Originally published Tuesday, 13 February 2024.