Matthew 11:12 
‘But from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force’.

DAILY READING –   Romans 11:1-24; 1 Samuel 20; Psalm 65

‘No words of mine can convey to another soul, the cry that was in my heart and the flame of hatred for death and sickness that the Spirit of God had stirred within me. The very wrath of God seemed to possess my soul!’

These words were spoken by the great Missionary to South Africa, John G. Lake. This he spoke in reference to the intensity of emotion he felt as his thirty-four year old sister lay dying. He had already witnessed eight out of his fifteen siblings die from illness. Ever since his childhood, their family had been plagued by death and diseases. And now watching his sister also about to die, John G lake was finally fed up with this evil attack.

Some years earlier, he had come in contact with the power of God through the ministry of the great preacher Alexander Dowie. Knowing that Jesus still heals, he was now ready to wage violent spiritual battle for the life of his sister. 

As he telegraphed Dowie with a desperate plea for prayer, John began to wage a furious spiritual attack on the power of death. As he prayed, God’s power came down, and within the hour his sister was completely healed!

It was battles such as this—at death’s very door—that brought John G. Lake face to face with his convictions. John believed that the violent in faith takes it by force. 

Another opportunity to display the violence of faith presented itself on April 28, 1898. His wife of five years, Jennie lay dying. As Jennie battled for breath in her final hours, John put his foot down. Never again! He would not tolerate the enemy stealing away the mother of his children and his spiritual partner. He determined to believe God’s Word as it was revealed to him in acts 10:38 

‘How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”.

Believing God for her healing, John rose and contended for her life in prayer. The power of God came down and she was instantly healed. She rose up, praising the Lord in a loud voice.

This event became national news, bringing many to visit their home to see God’s miracle and to receive healing for themselves. Through it,  Lake was brought to an amazing ministry of power and anointing in the Holy Ghost. His ministry led to the medically confirmed healing of more than 100,000 people. His life was a powerful example of faith in action. John Lake believed that every Christian ought to live such a life, experiencing the fullness of Christ.

The violent take it by force!

The truth is that power is the only language the devil understands. A time comes when you have to put down your foot and declare, enough is enough! What you do not want, you do not watch.  Life is a battle, and you must always be prepared to overcome. Don’t keep watching situations, react in violent faith to dislodge the enemy’s hold. The violent take it by force. You cannot keep tolerating the things that mock your Christian destiny.  Desperate situations call for desperate actions. Certain situations may not budge until you resort to being violent in the spirit. Jesus said some kind does not go out except by praying and fasting. 

When faced with the death of his family members, John G. Lake was forced to become spiritually violent. He pushed deeper to find answers. He began to fast, pray and search the scriptures at a greater dimension. And he not only found answers, the power of God also launched him into a world acclaimed healing ministry.  

Spiritual battles are real and we have to be spiritually violent to take what belongs to us. Whatever lingering challenge that has been facing you, today you need to rise up and be violent against it.   Enough is enough. Resist the enemy and he will flee from you. Declare the Word of God with boldness.  Release the power of God by the Word you declare. Indeed at the name of Jesus every knee must bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. 

Today begins a brand new month. Decide to enter into a realm of supernatural living by taking your portion by force. It will be unto you according to your faith. So decide to go for a greater dimension of faith through in-depth study of The Word of God. In this month power must change hands in your favor. By the blood of Jesus draw, a permanent boundary against every demonic harassment. Enough is enough. This month you must experience a definite change of story. This month the Egyptians you saw in past months you shall see no more. This month a new you is emerging, a new song is arising, and this shout of victory will be permanent in your home in Jesus Name. 
PRAYER: Father please help me to arise in faith and take what belongs to me by covenant. Enough is enough. No more shall I be a victim, from today I become more than a conqueror in every battle of life  in Jesus name.

QUOTE : 

Nothing liberates like truth, the truth you know and act upon will set you free.-  WORDBITE 222. 

[ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK ESTABLISHED BY THE WORD]