You Only Need One Enemy by Chris Reed
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&view=post&articleid=219554&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
By Chris Reed
You only need one enemy. Before digging into this, let me begin with clarifying: an ENEMY is NOT the same thing as a detractor, or a hater, or an antagonist. These all have their role as well, but an enemy is different, because an enemy can change your entire life's trajectory. I know that this notion flies directly in the face of traditional thought. We are taught to focus on the enemy, or that an enemy is a bad thing. We are told to "keep our friends close, but our enemies closer." What ends up happening is we focus so much on the enemy that we never see the opportunity. You might be wondering what possible opportunity there could be when an enemy shows up on the scene. Let's dissect this.
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You only need one enemy. Before digging into this, let me begin with clarifying: an ENEMY is NOT the same thing as a detractor, or a hater, or an antagonist. These all have their role as well, but an enemy is different, because an enemy can change your entire life's trajectory. I know that this notion flies directly in the face of traditional thought. We are taught to focus on the enemy, or that an enemy is a bad thing. We are told to "keep our friends close, but our enemies closer." What ends up happening is we focus so much on the enemy that we never see the opportunity. You might be wondering what possible opportunity there could be when an enemy shows up on the scene. Let's dissect this.
When an enemy shows up, it is usually indicative of a gateway that has opened up for you to completely change the landscape of your life. Let's start with David from the Bible—King David. Before he was king, he was a shepherd boy. He was not much to look at, and even his own father didn't consider him to be worthy of meeting the prophet when he came to their home. David was left tending the sheep. It was only after Samuel informed them that none of the other, "more kingly looking" sons were chosen that Jesse called for David from the field. After that, David was anointed as the future king of Israel, and then it was right back to tending sheep (for the entire story, read 1 Samuel 16–17).
Fast Forward
One morning, while Israel was at war, David was sent to take some bread to his brothers at the battle lines. It was while he was there that he heard Goliath cursing and ranting Israel and their God. David didn't focus on the enemy. He was unbothered and altogether unconcerned about his history in battle, his massive weapons, his size, or his strength. David only saw his God being slandered and was moved to action. He had no training in war, and he gave no heed to others telling him how unqualified he was to go into battle. David didn't run from his enemy; he ran TO his enemy. He didn't take the time to consider the risk or any of the other ten million thoughts everyone else had about Goliath. He sprung into action—and conquered Goliath. In that instant, everything changed for David. He went from a relatively unnoticed shepherd boy and lyre player, to being brought to the palace, and to having crowds singing of him, "Saul (the king) has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands." (See 1 Samuel 18).
For another example, look at Jesus: it was only when Judas was exposed in his life that Jesus began the process of ascension. The enemy was revealed, which began his path to the cross, and eventually, to his ascension. Moses had Pharaoh. Daniel had Nebuchadnezzar, and the list goes on and on. Outside of the Bible, there are countless examples of enemies catapulting people full-on into their destinies.
Next time an enemy shows up—and they definitely will—pay no attention to all the fears and doubts that creep up. Put no focus on the apparent size or capabilities or weaponry of the enemy. Don't shrink back, rise up! Do so with the understanding that a door of opportunity has shown up on your doorstep, and that your victory can completely change the trajectory of your life.
Chris Reed
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=232891&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
One of the most difficult things we can do in life can be found in leaving "ok" or "good enough" on the innate whisper that there is "greater than imaginable." We all have had those moments of inspiration where the Divine whispers "I have so much more for you." Our response or reaction to moments like these can have a profound impact on our lives — we can shrink back into our comfort zone (often a deep rut if we're honest), or we can stand up and heed that drawing. The beautiful thing is that it's always our choice, and one that can be extremely rewarding and fulfilling if we dare to "step out onto the water."
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=223054&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Sometimes, it seems like things just aren't going our way. We pray and have others pray alongside us. We read scriptures and declare what we seek. We go to our respective services, religious or otherwise, and sometimes utilize fasting as an approach. All these things sound and are great on the surface. I am sure many of us have tried some combination of these things and, if we are honest, have all been frustrated when we are not seeing results. Perhaps you have had thoughts like, "Maybe it's just God's will for this situation to never change," or "It was selfish for me to believe for a new car (or money or whatever) anyway."
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=220699&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Life can be confusing. Circumstances don't make sense and, sometimes, it can be difficult to know what to do. Far too often, we get hung up on being perfect or on the notion that there is ONLY ONE way to attain our end goal or reach our destination. Beyond that, there are many times, perhaps more often than not, that we feel we have no idea what exactly where to begin. Even as someone gifted both prophetically and with seeing, I still struggle with this. I tend to see the end result, but usually not the detailed, step-by-step process of getting there. It has taken many years, but I have come to understand and accept that not fully knowing is COMPLETELY normal.