Encouragement for Those Blindsided by the Devil
David Wilkerson offers encouragement to believers facing spiritual attacks, emphasizing God's promise of deliverance and support in times of struggle.
David Wilkerson delivers a powerful message from Isaiah 51, emphasizing God's recognition of the struggles faced by believers who pursue righteousness. He reassures those feeling blindsided by the devil that their burdens are not a result of sin but rather a direct attack from Satan. God calls out to the afflicted, promising to intervene and remove the weight of fear and oppression. Wilkerson highlights that God is actively pleading the cause of His people, offering hope and restoration to those in bondage. This message serves as a reminder that God sees our struggles and is ready to act on our behalf.
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In Isaiah 51, the Lord delivers a powerful message to all who pursue righteousness. He declares, "Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, you who seek the Lord" (51:1). A few verses later, he again calls to those "who know righteousness, you people in whose heart is My law" (51:7). When Isaiah delivered this message, his immediate audience was Israel, yet God directs this call to every devoted believer today -- everyone who would pursue Jesus with a greater passion. Later God addresses his hearers as "you afflicted, and drunk but not with wine" (51:21).
At the time Isaiah prophesied, Israel was enslaved by Babylon and God wanted his precious people to know he recognized their plight. Likewise, today, he is addressing every Christian who has become captive to some form of bondage. This bondage may be mental, physical or spiritual -- it does not matter to God. His eye is on every saint who staggers under the weight of an awful burden and he gives them this word:
"Do not think for a moment that this weight has come upon you as a result of sin. On the contrary, you are under a direct attack from Satan. The enemy of your soul has accused and tormented you and now, like a person who is drunk on wine, you are woozy from the effect. You have been blindsided by the devil but I want your ear because I have a word to speak to you."
If you are enduring a dark night of the soul, weighed down by sinful chains or sitting on an ash heap of perceived failure, God has a message just for you: "See, I have taken out of your hand the cup of trembling ... But I will put it into the hand of those who afflict you" (51:22-23).
The Lord is saying, "I am here to plead your cause, to intervene for you. I will take from you the cup of fear that is plaguing your life and place it in the hands of those who oppress you. I will not allow this harassment to continue."
Sermon Outline
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I
- God's call to the righteous
- Understanding our identity in Christ
- The importance of pursuing righteousness
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II
- Recognizing spiritual bondage
- The nature of the enemy's attack
- God's awareness of our struggles
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III
- God's promise of deliverance
- The significance of divine intervention
- Hope for the afflicted
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IV
- The role of faith in overcoming despair
- Encouragement for those feeling defeated
- The assurance of God's presence
Key Quotes
“Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, you who seek the Lord.” — David Wilkerson
“Do not think for a moment that this weight has come upon you as a result of sin.” — David Wilkerson
“I will take from you the cup of fear that is plaguing your life.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Recognize that struggles may not be due to personal failure but rather spiritual attacks.
- Trust in God's promise to intervene and alleviate your burdens.
- Pursue righteousness actively, knowing that God is with you in your trials.