I was writing one evening, and my thoughts started to wander concerning how effectively the enemy uses fear, rejection, and discouragement to distract and deter the people of God. It’s barely enough to say that these are the last days. I received Christ as Lord and Savior in 1981 and, at that time, we were being taught that those were the last days. Overall, when we look at the plan of God being made manifest in the realm of time, the statement was just as true then as it is now. However, I like to think of the times we’re living in now as the last moments before a great manifestation of the purpose and call of the Church within the overall plan of God for His creation. This should be an exciting time for the believer, as destiny is running to overtake the children of God, hastening to fulfill the will and purpose of the Father. However, many are disheartened by world events, pressed by financial shortfalls, and growing weary awaiting personal promises from God.

Sometimes it’s necessary to step back and assess what the enemy is doing from a strategic standpoint and begin to allow the Spirit of God to impart wisdom for strategically planned spiritual warfare. When I speak of spiritual warfare, I speak of warfare that presses past interpersonal issues, rejections, and distractions that are present in day to day life. I’m speaking of warfare that casts down “every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God.” We still possess authority to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Many blood-washed believers are so overwhelmed by foolishness that they never enter into relevant spiritual warfare that halts the advance of the enemy. “If thou has run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses?” (Jeremiah 12:5)

We’ve got to change our mindset and bring our thinking into agreement with the Word of God. We cannot be discouraged by these last days. If they be so, then we are the clean-up crew for the residual mess of sin and disobedience. It’s up to us to hold the line as the kingdom of darkness attempts its last-minute advance against the will of the Lord. We know that the war has been won, but what isn’t known is how many battles will be lost prior to the return of the Lord. Truth is, none need be lost as we exercise scripturally-based faith, hold tight to our redemption, and possess an indwelling of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide into all truth. We need not worry about circumstances, because Romans 8:28 promises that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” The key to success is keeping our focus upon His purpose, as we work out our soul’s salvation. Surely, He is the one performing every good work and our revealed purpose is an invitation to participate in what He is doing. He has safeguarded our destiny against anything that life or our enemies may dish out. When we effectively maintain our focus upon Him and His purpose, then the petty issues that the enemy uses to distract us will become of none effect and more God-given purpose will shine through with demonstration of perfected faith and manifestation of His anointing and Glory.   ~https://goo.gl/VB3dv6