A missionary couple from Africa came to share at our church last Sunday evening. To be honest, I didn’t even want to go hear them speak. My preconceived ideas told me it would either be boring, a mega fundraising pitch, or tales of the miraculous that could only happen in faraway places. In addition, it was cold outside, I was tired, and we get up very early for work. In support of church leadership, my husband and I dragged ourselves off the couch and went.
As usual, God spoke to my heart when I least expected it.
The couple shared a story about how they kept seeing snakes in their home and on their property. Real snakes. They commented that it is not uncommon to see snakes in Africa, but they were experiencing more than their share in a short period of time.
These were not little snakes, the one photo they shared showed the man holding up a dead snake that would have been longer than he was tall had it not been folded over. Also, these snakes were deadly. The woman shared about how she lay awake in fear each night, worried about the snakes and the possible harm they could do.
After about three (3) weeks of living/dealing with the snakes, the Lord revealed to them that they didn’t have to put up with this. The enemy was holding them captive by fear. He was robbing them of their sleep and their peace of mind. The couple prayed and took authority over their home and circumstances. God delivered them from the snakes and they stopped coming around.
This story has continued to speak to my heart throughout the week. While we may not be dealing with physical huge, deadly snakes, we are all dealing with different situations. It is so easy to get caught up in the event and become trapped by its hold. Sometimes, we grow weary of fighting and chose instead to try to live in peace with the “snakes.”
However, just as God told the missionary couple, “You don’t have to live with the snakes.” The Bible tells us, 33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Nothing is “too big,” “too deadly,” or “too real” for God to handle. He has overcome and we are overcomers in Him.
What are the “snakes” in your life? For me right now, it is a situation at work. I find myself continually battling anger and frustration as I try to work through the situation. After hearing the missionary’s testimony, my husband has been leading us in prayer as we drive to work each day. We are taking authority over our work situations and asking God to reign in this place and in our lives. We are giving Him praise in advance for the victory.
It’s time to stop living with the snakes and declare victory in your situation. Nothing is too big for God.
“Heavenly Father, we come to you in the name of your son, Jesus. Your word states that even though we will have trouble in this world, You have overcome the world. We ask that you will bring the breakthrough to each of our situations. In the mighty power of Jesus name, we proclaim, “No more snakes.” Thank you that You hear our cry, you lift us out of the pit and you put a new song in our mouths.” In Jesus name, Amen.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:17-18)
31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
Take some time to come before the Lord in worship. Here are a couple of song suggestions. You can look them up and listen to them on the internet. I pray that God will speak to you as you listen and that you will sense His presence in a mighty way.
You are God Alone (Phillips, Craig & Dean)
Everlasting God (Chris Tomlin)
How Great is Our God (Chris Tomlin)
