Isaiah 54:17 No weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
and this is their vindication from me,”
declares the Lord.

This is a glorious promise for anyone in the throes of spiritual warfare. Whether we are confronted by physical weapons or by accusing tongues, we have the victory! It is interesting that we will condemn (NIV says “refute”) every tongue that accuses us. In other words, it is a sin before God to falsely accuse one of His children, and He will treat it as such. However, we need to be careful about that “falsely.” If we are doing wrong, and particularly if we are doing so knowingly, then we are taking ourselves out from under this promise. In a passage that I love because of the instructions for personal evangelism, Peter deals with this issue. (1 Peter 3:13-17) That is particularly interesting because some pretty severe persecution was going on in Peter’s day, and he himself was martyred. We are not to take this verse in Isaiah as a promise that we won’t have to suffer for our faith, but rather as assurance of our ultimate vindication. That vindication may come on this earth or we may not see it until heaven, but in either case it is sure. That should bring peace and joy!

I have certainly been involved in spiritual warfare, but not so intensely from the actions of others. The most painful times have been when my accusers were in the Church! I’ve never had someone attack me physically because of my faith, or really for other reasons either. I have been blessed! However, I am sharply aware of the many who are on the front lines of persecution, and I pray for them. They need to remember that this verse is ultimately true even if they and their families are slaughtered! I need to remember that my trials are far lighter than theirs and lift them up in prayer, as well as not complain about my own situation. As a pastor, I need to encourage those in my flock with this truth. If they are actively praying for those suffering physical persecution, they will be far less likely to be tripped up by the minor attacks they experience.

Father, thank You for Your grace and protection. You really have placed a hedge around me, and I am grateful. Help me not step out of it in any way, but rather extend Your invitation for others to come in as well, so that the schemes of the devil may be defeated and Your children enjoy all that You have prepared for us, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!