One of the most widely used technologies of our day is the GPS system, consisting of two components—map and satellite. The function of this system enables us to know how to get from one place to another. With both components in place, we can reach any location. Without both components a GPS system will not work.
We can compare this to the way the Word and the Spirit work together. The Word is the map (which our eyes see), while the Spirit is like the satellite (in the unseen realm), and they work together to get us where we need and desire to be.
In recent months, the Lord has emphasized to me a strong awareness of the spirit realm. The believer must stay alert, considering the source of tests and trials. They have a larger purpose than what you see on the surface. It’s bigger than a personal attack! The attacks are meant to sidetrack and derail you.
Last month, I shared with you how Jesus addressed the wind in Mark 4. He was asleep in the boat, and His disciples came to Him in a panic because they thought they were about to die in a storm. Consider the magnitude of the storm, causing professional fisherman to be in such a panic. This storm was unlike anything they had experienced before because it was a demonically induced storm.
On the other side of this boat ride, we find the mad man of Gadara who was possessed by demons, giving Satan reign over that region. Hence, the demonically induced storm. This storm was not just about creating problems for Jesus and the disciples; it was much bigger than that. Satan knew if Jesus got to the other side, Jesus would destroy his dominion in the region.
Friend, Satan has no new tricks. Any problem, test or trial you may be facing today is not just about Satan hating you and wanting to destroy you. He wants to keep you from getting to the “other side” so he can prevent God’s kingdom from advancing and multiplying as a result of your victory. Remember this, IT’S BIGGER THAN YOU!
In Matthew 12, we find the account of a man being brought to Jesus. The man was possessed with a devil, causing him to be blind and dumb. Jesus healed him and everyone around was amazed. The Pharisees responded with, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils (Matthew 12:24). Jesus then differentiated between His kingdom and Satan’s kingdom in the following verses, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?
Beelzebub actually means “lord of the flies.” When a house fly is buzzing around a kitchen, it sure is aggravating. Suddenly you’re distracted from what you were doing, and your attention shifts to killing the fly. Flies are nothing more than irritants.
Oftentimes when an irritant appears in our life, we fail to recognize where it’s coming from. We give it our attention and begin to act in such a way as if there is substance to it. Listen, Satan is Beelzebub, and he is the master of creating irritants in our lives that cause us to turn our attention to them. Instead of choosing peace and love, we yield to aggravation, irritation, or the “mood of the day” and begin fighting and arguing with those God gave us—our spouses, children, and those we work closest with.
John 10:10, The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Satan’s work does not just encompass his attempt to steal, kill and destroy our health, finances and family. He’s after our peace, joy, clarity of mind, vision, purpose, focus, and creativity! If he’s able to get you off course in those areas, then your advancement is halted and you become like so many in the body of Christ—oblivious to the spirit realm.
Remember Ephesians 6:12: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Why did Paul preface this verse with, For we wrestle not against flesh and blood? Why even mention it if it’s not who we are wrestling with? Because Satan is a deceiver and wants us fighting with people instead of the real enemy…Satan and all his cohorts.
Stay sensitive to what is REALLY going on. Don’t lose sight of the spirit realm. Deal with the SOURCE of problems and irritants. Use the authority YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN over Satan and his kingdom because VICTORY BELONGS TO YOU!
If you would like to hear this message in its entirety, it is provided for you here as well as on the Webb Ministries app.