The conflict over Israel that is happening presently is a battle over much more than physical territory. This is an ancient struggle that has been taking place in the spiritual realm and physically manifesting in the earth realm for generations. When we see the pain and suffering of the people caught up in the destruction, our hearts are grieved. It is easy to have a reaction that is driven by the wide spectrum of emotions that we feel. It can even be challenging to have a conversation over the subject with anyone because of the intense emotions and opinions based on our human, limited perspectives. At times like these, it is very easy to get swept away by an emotionally reactive response and add to the climate of chaos around us. Father God wants us as His children to be able to see with spiritual eyes into these trials, whether it is chaos and conflict in our inner lives, or over nations.
For our struggle in not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12, NIV)
He wants us to be able to release into the world around us the Kingdom realm, which brings peace to the storm. That means we need to have a deep understanding of the Kingdom of God that is within us. Jesus modeled this to the disciples in the middle of a physical storm on the Sea of Galilee. In Matthew 8:23-26 it describes the scene:
Suddenly a violent storm developed, with waves so high the boat was about to be swamped. Yet Jesus continued to sleep soundly. The disciples woke him up saying, “Save us, Lord! We’re going to die!” But Jesus reprimanded them. “Why are you gripped with fear? Where is your faith?” Then he stood and rebuked the storm, saying, “Be still!” And instantly it became perfectly calm. (TPT)
The Kingdom of God within Jesus was greater than the storm threatening the lives of these men. This is the spiritual response that God wants us to have to any trial or conflict we may be facing in life. We release the Kingdom power from the Holy Spirit within us. As we abide in the love and peace that the Spirit of God releases in us, we can change the spiritual atmosphere around us and quiet the conflict. If we respond from that same intense fear or negative emotion that the enemy is using, then we get drawn right into the chaos and play right into the enemy’s hand.
John, the disciple of Jesus clearly learned from this experience because later as he wrote 1 John 4 he encouraged the young believers of Jesus with these words:
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them (the spirits of the world) for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
By the Spirit of the Living God that is in us through Jesus Christ, let’s be intentional to release into the earth realm the love and peace that calms the sea of chaos around us.
Steps in Pursuit
- Prayerfully release any negative emotions: anger, unforgiveness, hatred that you may be carrying towards those that have brought pain in your life or the lives of others in conflict. Ask God to replace those with His love and forgiveness.
- Step out of a place of limited perspective and judgment, and ask God to rule from His throne of justice and mercy, giving you eyes to see from His perspective.
- Pray for the Kingdom of God to begin flowing in power through you to shift the atmospheres so that Love and Peace can defeat the enemy’s schemes to bring destruction.
Let’s be a part of the solution and not add to the problem. It is easy to react in a sense of justice without accurately reflecting the heart of God over the issue. We can overcome evil with the love and goodness of God.
Continue the Pursuit,
Denise
