As I approached the upcoming on-ramp, my car began to sputter, and the engine cut out. Two hours earlier, my car began to sputter slightly while idling. Then, while on my way to do a home visitation for the church I co-pastor, the car began to stall while stopped at an intersection. After praying quietly to myself during the visitation, I decided to cut the visit short in case I had car trouble on the way home as my wife and I had a very important dinner engagement for which I could not be late. And now here I was, stopped cold in the middle of the four-lane highway. As I put on my blinkers, I quickly prayed that I would not be rear-ended as I got out of my vehicle.
Three hours earlier, I just got the news that I was going to be published for the very first time. My book is on the subject of spiritual warfare; how not to give aid and comfort to the enemy by exaggerating his abilities out of fear. I have heard of too many Christians insisting that it was demons keeping them from their appointed destinations by tampering directly with their car engines. Now here I was with a car that had been running perfectly fine before the news, now broken down completely after the news. Coincidence or demonic attack?
I chose to stick to my guns, which I knew to be scripturally accurate, and said out loud as I got out of my car. “Lord, I refuse to give credit to the enemy for my car breaking down!” The test was on. I also prayed to God for help and wisdom to handle the situation.
Immediately, a stranger at a gasoline station by the road where I was came running over and helped me push the car to the side. He left before I could even thank him or offer him a cash reward. I next called AAA and they said they were only 15 minutes away and could tow me to the location of my garage mechanic. I next called up a friend and explained my dilemma, and he agreed to meet me at the auto repair shop. My wife agreed to meet me at our dinner engagement, as my friend rode me home to change. My oldest stepson had left me his car for me to drive to the dinner. I arrived right before dinner was about to be served. God more than answered my prayers. I was reminded:
- James 1:3-8 ESV – 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
This was my moment of testing before God. Would I faithfully stick to my guns and proclaim His sovereignty over my life, or would I cower in fear that we have an enemy more powerful than he is actually described as in scripture? Needless to say, I chose the former, as Jesus said:
- Luke 10:19 ESV – 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.
If nothing shall hurt us, then how can my travels fall victim to a powerless force?
This was the moment where my careful study of God’s word showed me in real life just how much of a liar the kingdom of darkness is. I am glad to report that I passed the test. I look forward to sharing how insignificant the enemy really is once the book is released to the public. But let it be known, now it has been officially “road tested.”
Unspoken Theology 