For years, I have been drawn by the subjects of pain/suffering/the Cross.  All of the above is written about time and time again in the new testament.  Knowing this, I believe these subjects are part of our inheritance.  As a western church, we often miss the value of pain because our focus is on prosperity and happiness.  I think some of the “Christian mystics” of old have a better idea of our true purpose and inheritance more than any pastor who touts the favors and blessings of God as utmost in importance.

  The following are excerpts from two books talking about suffering.  These have ministered to me in many great ways.  The next five posts are in this same vein. . .

“The enemy was fleeing in all directions, except for one division – Pride. Completely undetected, it had marched right up to the rear of the advancing warriors and was about to released a hail of arrows. I then noticed that the mighty warriors had no armor on their backsides. They were totally exposed and vulnerable to what was about to hit them.

Wisdom remarked, ‘You have taught that there is no armor for the backside, which means you are vulnerable if you run from the enemy. However, you never saw how advancing is pride also makes you vulnerable.’

I could only nod in acknowledgment, for it was too late to do anything. It was almost unbearable to watch, but Wisdom said that I must. I knew the kingdom of God was about to suffer a major defeat. Though I had felt sorrow before, I had never felt this kind of sorrow.

To my amazement, when the arrows of pride struck the warriors they did not even notice, However, the enemy kept shooting. The warriors were bleeding and getting weaker fast, but they would not acknowledge it. Soon they were too weak to hold up their shileds and swords; they cast them down, declaring that they no longer needed them. They started taking off their armor, saying it was not needed anymore either.

Then another enemy division appeared and moved up swiftly. It was called Strong Delusion. Its members released a hail of arrows and they all seemed to hit their marks. It only took a few of the demons of delusion, who were all small and seemingly weak, to lead away this once great army of glorious warriors. They were taken to various prison camps, each named after a different doctrine of demons. I was astounded at how this great company of the righteous had been so easily defeated, and they still did not even know what had hit them.

I blurted out: ’How could those who were so strong, who have been all the way to the top of the mountain, who have seen the Lord as they have, be so vulnerable?’

‘Pride is the hardest enemy to see, and it always sneaks up behind you,’ Wisdom lamented. ’In some ways, those who have been to the greatest heights are in the greatest danger of falling. You must always remember that in this life you can fall at any time from any level.’

‘Take heed when you think you stand, lest you fall,’ I replied, ’How awesome such Scripturesseem to me now!’

‘When you think you are the least vulnerable to falling is in fact when you are the most vulnerable. Most men fall immediately after a great victory,’ Wisdom lamented.

I looked at my mantle. It looked so plain and insignificant. I felt that it made me look more like a homeless person than a warrior. Wisdom repsonded as if I had been speaking out loud.

‘The Lord is closer to the homeless than to kings. You only have true strength to the degree that you walk in the grace of God, and “He gives grace to the humble.” No evil weapon can penetrate this mantle because nothing can overpower His grace. As long as you wear this mantle, you are safe from this kind of attack.’

I then started to look up to see how many warriors were still on the mountain. I was shocked to see how few there were. I noticed, however, that theyall had on the same mantle of humility. ‘How did that happen’ I inquired.

‘When they saw the battle you just witnessed, they all came to me for help and I gave them their mantles,’ Wisdom replied.

‘But I thought you were with me that whole time.’

‘I am with all who go forth to do the will of My Father,’ Wisdom answered.

‘You’re the Lord!’ I cried.

‘Yes,’ He answered. ’I told you that I would never leave you or forsake you. I am with all My warriors just as I am with you. I will be to you whatever you need to accomplish. My will, and you have needed wisdom.’ Then He vanished.”

-pgs 59-62 from The Final Quest, Rick Joyner