WHO IS THE ADVERSARY?

We read in the text about an ocassion where the Apostles, men on fire and ready to spread the Gospel across all territories, were not permitted to do so by the Holy Spirit. A rather strong wording is used as we see in Acts  16:6 “Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden by the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia”.

In that season, God said to them “not now”. Often times, when an individual encounters seasons or moments when things aren’t working as they ought to, when they encounter what seems like a fierce resistance, among the first things they often consider is “this is warfare”. Perhaps, true, but a follow up question many rarely consider is ‘if this is warfare, who is the adversary?’

That is relevant because sometimes the one we fight unaware is God himself, because He can also resist men. He can shut doors, muffle voices, reduce visibility and restrict further advance. This He does not out of malice, but as an act of his mercy. He may say No to you on an issue because the season is not right, and at those times, your efforts will be frustrated.

Therefore, be careful before you pursue further warfare lest you pitch your camp against God. There may be resistance indeed, but find out who is resisting.

#sly