“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the 

earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”

2 Chronicles 16:9 (NIV)

Two years ago, I woke up on a Sunday morning with a message from God for two people in my life. “Tell them to lay down the sin and get out of the strife,” He commanded. I sat for a moment wondering how I was going to present this message. It’s not easy to go to anyone with a message from the Lord. Actually, it is down-right scary, but this message was important for their healing, one was dealing with cancer, the other had a baby with a brain tumor. Both families were being attacked with sickness.

I had been praying for these individuals and God answered with a word of correction. Then He explained to me the importance of His correction. Both individuals were entrenched in sin and strife, the woman with cancer, and the mother of the baby with a brain tumor, which was giving the enemy (the devil) an open door into their lives. For this reason, they were being attacked physically and emotionally.

It was then that I was able to see how God wanted to present healing to them. Actually, His healing was already available to them, but they were disconnected from walking in it due to sin and strife. After I called both women, I meditated on His message.

God is searching for someone to bless, but His hands are tied when our hearts are not committed to Him. Basically, sin separates us from Him and His will. A lot of people realize that murder is sin, theft is sin and adultery is sin, but most don’t realize that strife is also sin. 

The biblical meaning of strife is to have contention, bitterness or quarrelling. Second Timothy 2:23-26 (NLT) reminds us, “Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.”

Isn’t it amazing how that scripture teaches that if we resist arguing, that our self-control over the situation can win someone else their freedom from the devil’s grasp; and at the same time, shut the enemy down? Wow!!! God’s ways are certainly not our ways. We argue to try to win, but God encourages us to give a gentle answer of correction to calm the situation so the other person can be the ultimate winner.

Romans 13:13-14 (NIV) reminds us, "Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”

James 3:16 (KJV) adds, “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”

Considering the seriousness of strife, it is of vital importance that we get out of it. Now! And remember there is also another whose eyes are watching. Sin and strife open the door for the devourer (the devil). First Peter 5:8-9 reminds, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”

Let’s close the door to strife and keep it shut, tightly! And open the door for God's amazing grace and blessing.

Prayer:

Father, please forgive my sin and strife. Help me to keep the doors of sin and strife closed in my life. Help me to live righteously and peacefully before You and with others in this world. And when it gets exceptionally hard to maintain my righteousness and peace, strengthen me by Your Spirit. I give your name praise, honor and glory. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.