Scrolling through my social media feed, I found a few “music industry/Hollywood exposed” videos. I felt grateful for ones who are bold enough to stand for Christ in the face of opposition. It is not easy to alarm the public and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” like John the Baptist did. I commend anyone who has been assigned to that type of ministry specifically. As I continued to scroll, I saw many more videos of the same topic. (I do realize the algorithms were populating the same type of videos in my feed because I watched the previous ones.) Exposing the enemy, especially when it’s deceiving the church or anyone, is a good thing. It’s definitely necessary and very significant. We need those watchers on the wall that can spot an enemy from a mile away and alert us when we don’t see it!

However, I honestly started to feel a little discouraged in my heart. There is a saying that I would hear church folks say back in the day. They would say something like, “That devil sure is busy”. Normally, they would say this phrase when they were overwhelmed by their current circumstances or by many things happening in the world. That is honestly how I started to feel when I saw so much evil and deception in this world. I felt like the enemy was just flashing it in our faces at this point. You can find it in the kids shows, music, movies, schools, technology, politics…Everywhere! So what I am about to say is mostly for the viewers and the ones looking at this type of content. God is all about healthy balance. I do believe while we keep watch and warn others of what we see, we also have to keep this in mind.

I suggest you read the full chapters of 1 Kings 18 and 19. It will truly bless you. The prophet Elijah stood for God in the midst of idolatry. He proved that baal was a false god and annihilated the prophets of baal. The most powerful thing about this story is how much God backed Elijah with every word he spoke, which is one of the characteristics of a true prophet of God. While what He did was so necessary, there was one more thing God showed me while reading this passage. When persecution came, things took a turn. Elijah grew discouraged, so he ran for his life and hid in a cave. Most times, persecution comes with taking a stand for God. You can almost expect it. But don’t let what the enemy is doing consume you so much that you forget what God is doing. While Elijah was hiding in the cave, this was God’s response:

Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” And he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” Then the Lord said to him: “Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus; and when you arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria. Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place. It shall be that whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill; and whoever escapes the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill. Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” – 1 Kings 19:13-18

We are to be the light in dark places, but do not let that darkness consume you to the point where that is all you see. Again, I understand everyone has a specific assignment. So please do what God is telling you to do and say what God is telling you to say. Nevertheless, let’s keep in mind that believers and unbelievers need to know what God doing in addition to what to look out for. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that while all of the content about various music artists, Hollywood, and the music industry were streaming, God raised up an ongoing revival in Kentucky on a college campus. I honestly wish this got more coverage and more content than the other topics. The world needs to see that God is greater than the false prophets and worshippers of baal. He is raising up a generation that will stand for God and will enhance His kingdom. God is still on the throne. With everything happening all at once, it can feel overwhelming and cause you to go to that dark place like Elijah did. But I come to encourage you today. When it seems like the “devil is busy”, always remember that GOD IS BUSIER. GOD IS STRONGER. GOD IS GREATER.

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

-Colossians 3:1-4

Colossians 3 tells us to focus on things that are above, where Christ is and not on the earth. Yes, when God tells us to expose the devil, that’s exactly what we do. But in the process do not let it overtake you and do not….I repeat…DO NOT take your focus off of Jesus. That is what caused Elijah to hide and that is what caused Peter to sink. Do not loose your faith. God still reigns and the enemy is already defeated! Despite the great falling away, I truly believe there is an even greater revival coming. As a matter of fact, it is already here. Nevertheless, we ought to be more aware of the move of God in this time. Let us get involved in what God is doing. Let’s get in it and support it because God is moving!

This is a song my husband, Tjaz Hawkins, wrote and arranged. It is called “You Are The Greatest” and it is featuring a group we are a part of called OBEYTHYWILL. This song speaks of the greatness of God, in spite of our past, the gross darkness in this world, and our mistakes. I pray after listening to this song you will see how the powerful love of God conquers all. In Jesus Name, Amen.