BELIEVING IT WHEN I CAN’T SEE IT

BELIEVING IT WHEN I CAN’T SEE IT
FAITH STRONG – Part 2
Vernon Zook November 10, 2024

As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. “Get away from me, Satan!” he said. “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” -Mark 8:32-33 (NLT)

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. -Ephesians 1:18,19a (NIV)

In order to “see” the “unseen” …

1. … I believe there is a struggle.

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. -Ephesians 6:11-12 (NLT)

2. … I believe there is a battle for the of my life.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. -1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. -John 10:10 (NIV)

3. … I believe the enemy has a .

…so that Satan will not outsmart us, for we are very familiar with his schemes. -2 Corinthians 2:11 (NLT)

● Temptation – he us!

For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless. -1 Thessalonians 3:5 (NIV)

● Accusation – he us!

This great dragon – the ancient serpent called the Devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world – was thrown down to the earth with all his angels…The Accuser has been thrown down to the earth – the one who accused our brothers and sisters before our God day and night. -Revelation 12:9,10 (NLT)

● Deception – he us!

Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” -Genesis 3:13

…the devil…was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. -John 8:44 (NLT)

Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. -2 Corinthians 4:4 (NLT)

How do I prepare for the battle? (Eph. 6:10-18)
1. Belt of truth John 8:44
2. Breastplate of righteousness 1 John 1:9
3. Shoes of peace Romans 16:20
4. Helmet of salvation Romans 8:35-39
5. Shield of faith Romans 10:17
6. Sword of the Spirit Hebrews 4:12
7. And PRAYER! Ephesians 6:18

But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. -1 John 4:4 (NLT)

4. I believe God is in my life even if I don’t see it.

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. -Psalm 119:18

Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people! -Psalm 66:5 (NLT)