Get Out Of The Can

The property our home sits on is along an old highway. As I was driving home today I noticed that someone had thrown trash out of their car right onto the grass outside our chain link fence. “I wonder who they thought was going to pick up after them?” I thought out loud to myself. I pulled into my driveway, walked back to the road, picked up the trash, and tossed it into our garbage bucket. It made me remember a conversation that I had with a friend a few months ago. My husband and I have the privilege of being part of the prayer team at church. During our mid-week service our church takes time in the service for anyone who needs prayer. People of all ages come forward and we agree in prayer with them for whatever type of need they may have. My friend and his wife are also part of that prayer team. One day we shared with each other some of the struggles people are facing. My heart was breaking…there are so many…too many hurting people all around us. I said to my friend, “I am sick and tired of the enemy kicking God’s people around like an empty tin can!”

“He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets.” Colossians 2:15 MSG

That is by far my favorite verse. It is my “weapon of choice” when I come against the enemy’s attack. God’s Word promises in Isaiah 54:17 that, “No weapon that is formed against you will succeed..” It does not say that attacks won’t come, but, they will not accomplish their purpose…unless…we allow them to.
How can I say that? Because God’s Word says so; consider this..

“You are from God, children, and you have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

“…despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us…”
Romans 8:37

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ…” 2 Corinthians 2:14

During the years our three sons were growing up we watched the “Rocky” film series on video numerous times. Throughout every episode there is always the time when Rocky is losing the fight. He is beaten, bloodied and sometimes barely conscious. But then, something comes to his memory…Usually it is his dear friend and trainer, Mickey, or his beloved wife, Adrian telling him, “I love you, I believe in you…Get up!” The music begins to build, Rocky stumbles to his feet, and BAM he comes after his opponent with unbelievable strength and wins the fight in the final moments.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” Hebrews 12:1

How are you doing today, my friends? Are you beaten and bloodied? Is your mind so clouded with pain or confusion that you barely feel conscious? There is one that loves you like no other. He was beaten, bloodied and barely conscious, (Isaiah 52:14). The difference is that no one was there cheering him on. Even the Heavenly Father turned his back on Him.What is more remarkable is the fact that He had the power and ability to stop it all at any time. But He stayed on that cross…He died…for you and for me. He won the fight and then gave us the victory. (Hebrews 12:2) His message to you and I today is, “I love you, I believe in you..Get up!! The battle is already won!”
No matter what you are facing, or how long it seems to be taking you can win. Keep swinging death blows to the enemy by speaking God’s Word. Don’t give in…don’t give up. The bell will ring. The fight will end; and Jesus our King will hold up your arm in victory.

“Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil]; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called…” 1 Timothy 6:12 AMP