Penetrating Enemy Lines

Journey Into The Promised Land

Luke 22:39–46 (CSB)

THE PRAYER IN THE GARDEN

39 He went out and made his way as usual to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 When he reached the place, he told them, “Pray that you may not fall into temptation.” 41 Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and began to pray, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me—nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

43 Then an angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. 44 Being in anguish, he prayed more fervently, and his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. 45 When he got up from prayer and came to the disciples, he found them sleeping, exhausted from their grief. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you won’t fall into temptation.”

Why Are You Sleeping?

God wants you to know that regardless of the persecution which will come into your life today or in the future, He is in control! There is no circumstance, there is no trial, there is no test, there is no persecution that Satan can bring into your life that can defeat you!

The devil is doomed for complete defeat and total destruction. You personally need to know, that you know, that you know, what God’s Word says. When the enemy comes against you, you can be filled with spiritual knowledge because…

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (1 John 2:27)

Christians are not exempt from the attacks of the enemy, but we are the only ones prepared, equipped, and empowered to defeat him. Let the anointing of God burn this spiritual truth into your heart. Your position during every test, trial, and temptation should not be one of fear, discouragement, or weakness. Rather, it should be one of power, complete confidence, and victory!

Thousands of Christians have fallen victim to one of Satan’s deadliest snares and are totally unaware of what has happened to them. Using one of his most subtle strategies, Satan has caused Christians to fall into a sleep of spiritual apathy and complacency. The devil tries to be so subtle in his lies so that many Christians are unaware of his movements and have a false sense of security concerning their own spiritual condition. They remain unaware of the lateness of the hour or the impending danger until it is too late. Satan’s strategy is to lull Christians into a spiritual sleep so they are unable to hear the voice of the Lord as He speaks to them. Satan wants to give you a false sense of security concerning your own spiritual condition.

Today, the Church is filled with Christians like the early disciples who fell asleep when Jesus asked them to pray (Luke 22:39-46). When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, the disciples fled in defeat. They had fallen into the apathetic snare of the enemy. Jesus had warned the disciples of the coming dangers. He knew that they should fortify themselves through prayer to prepare for the attacks and the temptations, but they failed the test.

The Church today is filled with Christians who, like the disciples, have fallen asleep spiritually. They are going to church regularly, paying their tithes, and working in the church, but they are unaware of what is happening in the spiritual realm. They are not prepared to recognize the signs of the times.

God’s message to those who find themselves in this sleep is, “Why are you sleeping? Arise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”

Make this declaration:

I will not fall asleep spiritually. I will be alert and pray. I will not enter into temptation.

*Adapted from MCWE email – Journey Into The Promised Land by Morris Cerullo

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