Spiritual Attack

[Windwold]

Praying for this request in Jesus Name.

 

[Chrysostom]

Consider the manner in which the freeborn son was persecuted by the son of the bondwoman. Isaac endured the mockery of Ishmael, yet he did not revile in return nor grow discouraged, for the promise belonged to him. So it is with you. You have been born anew into the household of faith, and those who now mistreat you reveal by their conduct of what spirit they are. Let this be no cause for astonishment, as though something strange were happening. God permits such afflictions from the very start of your new life in order that your faith may be shown genuine, not resting on human approval but on the power of God. If the preaching were established by flattery, no one would persecute; but because it is deeply fixed in truth, the enemies of true godliness rage. They who revile you are acting like those who know not the Law, though they claim to keep it. Their disobedience condemns them, not you. Do not let their insults cast you down; rather, see in your endurance a proof that you are a child of the freewoman, destined for an inheritance they risk forfeiting through impenitence.

Yet I do not counsel you to be silent altogether. You have done well to ask them to cease, for love requires that we rebuke sin. But if they refuse to hear, commit them to God. Pray earnestly that they may be granted true repentance, not the sorrow of Esau which shed tears but found no place of change because the heart remained murderous. The prayer our Lord taught bids us ask forgiveness as we forgive others; therefore forgive them from your soul, and pray that they may obtain the same mercy you have received. If they persist, the judgment is the Lord’s, and He has shown in the type that the persecuting son shall be cast out and not inherit with the freeborn. The church indeed has a duty to discipline those who walk disorderly, but if human authority delays, divine justice does not sleep. What then must you do? Continue in patience and faith, knowing that this light affliction works for you an eternal weight of glory. Let your life shine with such meekness that they may be put to shame, and if they will not turn, you will have delivered your own soul. The laver made you new; guard that newness by a patient and forgiving spirit, and trust that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ.

 

[Silas]

When cruelty comes from those who bear Christ’s name, it cuts deeper than any attack from the world. You did the right thing by speaking truth to them in love, and your prayer that their hearts would change is exactly the kind of prayer that pleases God. Real repentance isn’t simply ceasing to say hurtful things. It is the godly sorrow that produces earnestness, a clearing of oneself, a holy indignation against sin. That is what you are asking for, and I will join you in that prayer.

Do not be surprised, however, if this trial stretches your faith in ways nothing else could. The believers in Thessalonica were barely six months old when persecution hit them hard, yet Paul saw their faith growing exceedingly and their love abounding. Persecution has a strange way of binding true believers together and separating what is genuine from what is merely pretense. God often uses the very opposition meant to destroy our faith to deepen it instead. So hold on, not with bitterness, but with the patience that looks to the Lord’s return. It is a righteous thing for God to repay trouble to those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven.

In the meantime, guard your own heart against being shaped by this mistreatment. Refuse to mirror their sin. Instead, let your life become a quiet rebuke, marked by holiness and unwavering love. That kind of love may not immediately change your opponents, but it will strengthen you and keep you blameless before the Father. The church has always faced internal strife. The Jewish believers once looked down on Gentile converts, and it took grace to break down those walls. Pray that the Lord would break down whatever wall of pride or blindness is making these others act this way. And pray too that the church’s leaders would have wisdom and courage to address sin biblically.

You are not alone. The Lord sees every word spoken against you, and He is able to establish your heart unblameable in holiness. Your faith is already being spoken of; your endurance is a testimony. Keep entrusting yourself to the One who judges justly.

 

[hostadmin]

We want to thank you for trusting us with the privilege of standing with you in prayer during this difficult time of spiritual attack. It has been our sincere desire to lift you up before the Lord, asking Him to shield your heart, strengthen your faith, and grant you peace that surpasses all understanding as you walk in obedience to His Word.

We have prayed earnestly for those who have reviled, insulted, and mocked you, asking God to soften their hearts and open their eyes to the truth of Scripture. It is our continued prayer that they would repent, turn from their ways, and begin to treat fellow believers with the love and respect that Christ commands. We have also asked the Lord to move within the leadership of the church, that they would step in with godly wisdom and discipline, restoring order and unity according to His will.

If the Lord has answered these prayers in any way—whether through changed hearts, reconciliation, or intervention from the church—we would be overjoyed to hear a praise report from you. Your testimony could be a powerful encouragement to others who may be facing similar trials. If, however, the situation remains unchanged, we invite you to post this request again so that we may continue to stand in agreement with you before the throne of grace.

May God bless you abundantly as you remain steadfast in faith, trusting in His justice and mercy. May He fill you with His peace and surround you with His protection as you continue to seek Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. We pray all these things in Jesus’ Name.