The enemy wants to silence believers, which has happened since the first person gave their life to the Lord. I remember meeting a pastor in Russia a few years ago who spent time in prison for passing out Christian tracks as he brought the Light of Jesus into a dark community. The enemy wanted to silence him, but the Lord used that difficult time to strengthen and transform him. Today, he is a pastor full of hope and God’s love.
The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 10:17So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.[1] The word is so powerful it can break the enemy’s chains and lead people from the Kingdom of Darkness into the Kingdom of Light. God’s word is like medication that brings life and light to all who believe. This is why the enemy wants to silence every believer and prevent the word of God being proclaimed.
How Has God’s Word Changed You? How Has It Given You Hope?
Paul and Silas were in Philippi, a major Roman colony in modern-day Turkey, proclaiming the word of God. Their ministry set people free, and the Lord built the early church through them. Jesus’ light was shining, pushing back the enemy’s darkness. Then, the Apostle Paul was harassed and confronted by a slave girl with a demon spirit.
Acts 16:18 This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly it left her. 19 Her masters’ hopes of wealth were now shattered, so they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities at the marketplace. 20 “The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews!” they shouted to the city officials. 21 “They are teaching customs that are illegal for us Romans to practice.”
22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. [2]
Spiritual Pushback
As a result of pushback against proclaiming the truth of the Word, Paul and Silas found themselves in prison. The same thing happens today because there is a great spiritual battle for people’s souls. If you are leading people to Jesus or proclaiming the word of God, expect pushback from the enemy. The enemy does not want people to come to faith and have hope.
Ask the Lord to give you perseverance and boldness to keep progressing despite opposition. Keep praising the Lord. This helps us look up and know where our strength comes from. The Lord loves when we praise Him, especially in difficult times. Finally, know the Lord is with you and will not leave or forsake you.
To learn how the enemy wants to silence believers, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/light-in-prison
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation