THE BATTLE IS NOT YOURS

Worship In The Beauty of Holiness

This was about twenty-something years ago; our church was scheduled to go worship with another church. I dreaded the thought of going because one of the brothers at that church had “mistakenly” assumed that I flirted with him (which I adamantly did not), but he made me uncomfortable by his insinuations and I simply did not want to attend.

I went to my pastor after the announcement was made to tell him that I would be unable to attend and why. He talked me out of my cowardice and encouraged me to go anyway.

I went into the sanctuary and sat up front in the second row. Something completely unexpected happened during worship time. As I worshipped the Lord, I seemed to zone out and became oblivious to my surroundings — not even aware of where I was. I don’t know how long I worshipped but when I came to myself, I was the only one still standing. I could hear my pastor’s voice as he worshipped with me from the podium.

When church was out, the brother that accused me of flirting, and his lovely wife, made a beeline over to me to apologize. During my time of worshipping God, He was working on their hearts. They apologized and wished blessings upon me. I was glad my pastor had talked me into going.

One thing I learned that day is how true worship moves the heart of God, and brings down strong defenses. God was moving in the spirit realm as I stood worshiping Him. He fought my battle and won it for me.

Shortly after that, that same couple moved to another city and I never saw them again.

James 4:7-8, 10 (NKJV) Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

He lifted me up that day, and I'll never forget it.

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove