No Pain No Gain

James 1
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

My husband joined a gym the other day. He met with his new trainer to develop a workout plan that will enhance him physically. He was gone for about two hours. When he finally came home, he was so excited about what he learned and about his new “lease on life”. When we woke up the next morning, reality soon came crashing in. He could not move his arms. He could barely lift the coffee cup up to drink it. He was in so much pain that when he had an itch on his face, he pretty much had to move his face to his finger to relieve the itch. You all know what I am talking about. I am pretty sure that each of us has experienced that kind of soreness in our bodies a time or two.

But he told me with great discomfort “I just have to get through the next two weeks and it will be all over with”. I know that he won’t give up because he knows the reward that he will gain.

This reminds me of how satan works. We do not live in a physical world, but a spiritual one. There is spiritual warfare going on at ALL times. The devil is here to kill, steal and destroy all of us. But we can’t let him. We have power and authority over satan through Jesus Christ. We can overcome satan’s little schemes. Are you struggling with a concern? Do you have doubt about a certain outcome? Are you confused about that relationship or job? Are you experiencing jealousy about someone? Are you just plain aggravated about something? All these emotions are not of God. They are of satan. This is spiritual warfare. God is not about struggles, doubt, confusion, jealousy or aggravation. He is about love, peace and forgiveness.

The great thing about spiritual warfare is that when you experience it, it is the result of you becoming closer with God. Building that beautiful relationship with our Creator. Satan does not like that and will fight it to the end. But once you realize what it truly is. Once you realize that this is truly a back-handed compliment from satan, where satan is recognizing your relationship with God. Then all you have to do is persevere. Get through the next couple of days or weeks. Get through the pain…..and you will experience the gain. People, don’t give up. You have the power to rebuke satan. Exercise it. You too can gain a new lease on life.

Dear Lord, You are our wonderful Creator. The maker of heaven and earth. You are in control of all things. Through your blood on the cross, you have given us the power and authority over satan. Thank you Jesus for giving us this power. I pray that when we experience satan and we will because of how much we want to become closer to You, that we have the strength to overcome and win this spiritual battle that we are living in. Thank you for loving us so much. You said that You will never leave us or forsake us. We stand on that promise today and everyday in order to gain from the pain. In Your awesome name. AMEN