This word is submitted by Yolanda Ballard (gloryfirerain@earthlink.net)

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For Those Who Are Struggling To Stand

Luke 22:31-31: And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon, indeed Satan has asked for you that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith should not fail, and when you have returned to Me, strengthen the brethren."

For I sit at the right hand of the Father, and I constantly intercede that your faith fail not ......for the enemy has come to sift you as wheat, and even though I have given you the faith that you may stand unwavering before Me, you have given ear to the temptations of the evil one. You have listened to his lies instead of standing on My word, and you have wavered in doubt, fear and unbelief, and in this state of mind, you are far from knowing Me experientially in your heart. Yes, I am far from you in this state of mind. Even though I am closer than a brother and will never leave you or forsake you, you leave Me by not completely trusting Me.

Who do you choose to believe in this condition....the lies of the enemy or all the promises I have made to you? I know the enemy comes on as a flood, and he is loud and boisterous, and he comes as a roaring lion to distract you from coming into My secret place. For in My presence there is peace and there is power and the victory waits for you there. In My secret place, there is refuge and it is a strong fortress against the evil one. And the chief purpose of the siftings of the enemy is to keep you from entering into My presence for that is where you find your strength.

Just like a lamb who has wandered away from the flock and have become lost, you have become. At this point you do not have the comfort and protection of your Shepherd. So rise up, little ones. Put on your shield of faith and use My sword against the fiery darts, the lies of the evil one. Position your armor. Plead the power of the blood shed for you at Calvary. Rise up a mighty man of war for that is what I called you to be. I have given you My name and My authority so take your stand. Take back what the enemy has tried to steal from you. And return to Me stronger than ever and come and encourage the others by your testimony of faith that you have overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb, the word of your testimony and that you remained faithful....you did not love your life unto death.

Live My word. Breathe My word. Speak My word and pull down strongholds over your own life and those of your loved ones. Stand faithfully on behalf of the brethren. And listen closely to My directions for I will lead you and guide you into all truth. And I will give you opportunity and the words to reach out to the lost to pull in a mighty harvest for My kingdom. Just be willing, yielded and available and I will do the rest. I will complete the work that I began through you for you are My faithful followers, My believers, My lambs, and I am pleased with you, says your Lord.