The Knock-out Punch

I’ll be the first to admit — I am obsessed with the familial promises of God throughout scripture. There is one passage I focus on quite often when praying for my family members.

“…Be not afraid of them, remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and ‘fight for your brethren, yours sons, and your daughters, your wives and your houses. And it came to pass when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.” - Nehemiah 4:14b-15.

   There's a battle raging for the lives of our children and grandchildren. We don’t wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities in high places. (Eph. 8:12) But the victory over the cunning tricks and traps the enemy brings against our family is ours when we do battle on our knees.


   There have been times I literally felt I was storming the gates of hell itself for members of my family. In intercessory, sometimes agonizing prayer I have seen God fight the battles and great victories have been won!
When we are hit broadside by what seems to be an insurmountable problem or attack on someone who is part of our household — our immediate reaction is often despair. Helpless to do anything we crawl into a hole of depression and fear.
   But the promises in God’s Word are exhaustive when it comes to family. A mother’s prayers throughout history have brought about the miraculous and life-changing results. Turning someone from a path for self-destruction cannot be accomplished through arguing, accusation, threats or even preaching. However, calling a child, husband, wife, parent, brother or sister’s name before God will bring dramatic results.
   Nehemiah tells us to fight for our household and its members. Then Paul tells us about our weapon - the Word of God! It is powerful. So many times I pray that Word, standing on the promises it offers.
   When we understand the counsel of the enemy, (talked about in Neh. 4:15), we get a step ahead of him. He has the traps laid — his plan never changes, we don’t have to research to figure it out. He’s out to “rob, kill, and destroy” our children and grandchildren. He’s good at it, but there is a power that far exceeds his. Our privilege is we can tap into that power, and the formula is laid out in the Word of God.
   We don’t need to fear the enemy. He is subtle and constantly at work, but greater is he that is in us, than he that is in the world. Our responsibility is to FIGHT with the sword of the Spirit and on our knees on behalf of our loved ones. Clinging to the promises of protection, salvation, healing, deliverance and restoration for our family brings results!
   My grandmother was a great example to me of the result of mother’s prayers. She had 10 living children when she passed away at the age of 94. Many were in full time ministry and experienced the miraculous because of their mother’s prayers. However there were two who did not follow their parents’ godly example throughout their lives. Despite their dalliances in sin, grandma prayed for them every day — claiming God’s promises for the salvation of her household. She also had 26 grandchildren she prayed for every day as well and great-grandchildren. Despite her old age, she spent her days on the battlefield - tearing down the enemies fortresses.
   She died in 1971, but I have been privileged to live on and see her prayers continuing to be answered. She knew the tactics of spiritual warfare. She excelled in the bootcamp of strategic training. Even after her death,  — God continued to answer her prayers.
Sitting in a church service I heard the testimony of my 75-year-old aunt who told how she had returned to the God of her parents. Her journey had been long, but she made it and served God for another 19 years —singing and playing in churches to the glory of God.
   An uncle experienced a massive heart attack but survived long enough to surrender his heart to Christ, repenting of a life wasted in selfish pleasure.
   Others continue to find their way back to the gospel teachings of grandma and grandpa - while others still linger, scarred by the effects of sin. But I’m reminded of something grandma always said, “The end is not yet, praise the Lord!”
   So, I encourage you today — fight on for your family. You know what the enemy is after. You have the resources to combat Him through the blood of Jesus Christ. As his child, his blood is applied to the doorposts of your heart and house. You do not have to allow your family to be taken as captive.
Battle against the enemy of our souls with the Word, from Genesis through Revelation. Spending time in prayer for those we love will reap great reward.
   I have personally fought these battles and through perseverance and trust in God’s Word I have eventually seen chains broken and family members set free. It works, make no mistake — it’s the only thing that works. There is a peace that comes as we wait for the answers, for the change. A peace that lets us endure when we don’t see an immediate victory — when we see things get worse rather than better. When faith is tested and we continue to trust, stand on God’s Word, pray and wait some more — there’s a peace that comes no other way than believing what God said and looking to Him for a fulfillment of His promises.
   I have my children’s pictures, their spouses pictures and my grandchildren’s pictures all taped in my Bible beside Neh. 4:14-15. It is to remind me that I must take time to get in the “ring” on a daily basis, don my Spiritual boxing gloves and knock out the plans and counsel of the enemy on their behalf.
   The amazing thing is, my punches are not significant against the brute force of the devil, but when I jump into the ring, I touch the heart of God and he delivers the knock-out punch.
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Even as a young girl, Sharon Spiegel loved writing stories and poetry - something she inherited from her grandmother, Jessie May Garlock. Now the Assembly of God minister, Christian school administrator and self-described 'Missouri Yankee' is adding author to her titles. Her first book, 'Generations,' will be released by CrossRiver Media Group later this year. She and her husband of 44 years, Roger have three children and 14 grandchildren. You can find Sharon online at facebook.com/AuthorSharonSpiegel, on twitter @sharonspiegel and her website - www.sharonoragarlockspiegel.com.