Christians are being terrorized everywhere! In the Middle East, especially in Syria, believers are threatened with abuse, both physically and spiritually, even to the point of death. In countries in Africa, especially in parts where there is Islamic extremism, Christ’s followers are being beaten, churches burned or driven from their homes. In America, the church is under fire from outside forces challenging traditional and i dare say, moral values. It is also under threat from within where just recently, churches are being divided on their respective stance on homosexuality and same-sex marriage. And lastly, we are terrorized individually by forces that is obviously spiritual in nature.
The question now posed to Bible believing and God fearing people is, will we be terrorized?
I will attempt to answer this question in the context of the beleaguered believer whose warfare is not “….against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12, NLT)
Christ’s followers are spiritual people. Therefore we will definitely be terrorized by our spiritual enemy, the devil. It is not a question of how but when. How we handle this kind of terrorism depends on how we believe God and I tell you, the devil will test AND terrorize you. There is a season for these kinds of things. You may be prosperous and healthy for a long time and then the season of testing comes. These testings can bring terror to the hearts of the unprepared.
Again, will you allow yourself to be terrorized by the devil? Yes, we cannot stop him from doing so. How you respond will define your faith in God.
By the way, it’s normal to be scared and feel terror. That’s our fallen nature. But if we believe that Jesus came that we may have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10) and that “…you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.'” Romans 8:15
When the devil terrorize us with disease, unemployment, debt, or loss of loved ones, our response should not be cowering in fear. What we need to do is run to God. You and I WILL be scared but if we trust and believe that God as our Father, will protect His children as He promised. That “…all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NKJV)
Do you love God? Then all you need to do when the devil terrorizes you is to stand your ground…and believe.
