Do Not Let It Win

As a pastor, part of my responsibility is to make sure I am connected with members of our congregation. This can be accomplished through prayer, fellowship, listening and the willingness to allow Christ to speak to my mind and heart. The Bible speaks very clearly about the expectations God has for those He calls to preach His Word and shepherd His people. I can tell you that the Holy Spirit's presence is strong in our church, but so is the devil. That may offend or confuse some of you, but it shouldn't. Any time a group of believers gather together to earnestly worship, honor, uplift and praise Jesus, the enemy knows it and begins to plan his attack. An attack with one mission: destroy all the good by dividing. It is easier to attack an individual than it is to face the strength of an entire congregation (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

Like many God-fearing, bible believing churches, Otsego First Baptist is being attacked. The enemy started with me. He used anything and everything he could think of to inflict pain: physical, emotional and spiritual. Thankfully, I have the strength of a praying church, loving family and a Savior that promised to never leave me; even in my darkest hours. Because of that, I came through the enemy's attacks victorious. But the battles are far from over. He has now moved on to individual members of our congregation. He is attacking them physically with sickness, fear and isolation. He is attacking them mentally and emotionally with loss of loved ones, break-ups and feelings that they are no longer loved or valued. The devil is also attacking our brothers and sisters spiritually. He is whispering that there is no hope; that attending church, praying and reading their bibles do no good.

But thanks be to God we are already victorious! Though this does not keep the devil from attacking in our lives, it does give us the confidence to keep fighting. In 1 Corinthians (15:57), Paul tells us we have been given victory. Romans 8:37 defines believers as more than conquerors. In the Old Testament, Moses assures us God is present with us in our battles (Deuteronomy 20:4). And in 2 Corinthians (2:14), Paul tells us God leads us in triumph through Jesus.

If you are also being attacked for your commitment to follow Jesus and desire to live for Him, I have good news for you: Jesus has won the ultimate battle and secured your final victory. You just need to keep fighting...

Pastor Aaron