When The Enemy Come In Like A Flood

"When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall raise up a standard against him." (Isaiah 59:19)

Ridley Havergal has reminded:

"God has not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our life through."

The struggle within

1. The enemy: Satan, Devil, the Accuser of the Brethren, the who can destroy a soul: Matt 10: 28 "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

2. The flood: sudden, destructive, overwhelming, watery grave... i.e. our total inability to stand against the onslaught... can’t swim against, stand against nor hold it back

a. You know that feeling when the flood comes in: feeling of loose, powerlessness, wandering about the future
b. Job the classic example
c. This happens sometimes within us: Satan battling for our minds

The struggle with the outside

Persecution, sins, immorality etc.

The Standard of God

1. His Name, His character, and His own work
2. His Son... in the midst of a flood, what is it that fights against the enemy, the nature of Jesus within us. It is His concern to fight and ours to follow the standard bearer (Jesus) and keep our eyes on the standard (Jesus).
3.  He will judge His enemies.
4.  The Redeemer comes to those who turn from transgression (i.e. repent)
5.  He establishes a New Covenant with His people: His Spirit is upon them and His Words are on their lips.

"The Grace of God runs faster than human transgression."