Green Olives Christian Books

DECLARE TO THE ADVERSARY:"I AM NOT FINISHED YET."

The cry of the heart in Micah 7:8, "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me," is not merely a statement of human defiance, but a profound declaration of faith anchored in the unchanging character and sovereign power of God. It speaks volumes to the soul facing opposition, setbacks, or the darkness of trial.

1. The Nature of the "Enemy" and True Rejoicing: Biblically, our struggle is not merely against flesh and blood, or temporal "haters," but against spiritual forces and the fallen nature within and around us (Ephesians 6:12). The "enemy" rejoices when we stumble, seeking to instill despair and doubt in God's goodness. However, our response is not rooted in matching their negativity, but in turning our gaze upward. We don't engage on their terms of bitterness or rivalry. Instead, our confidence rests in the Lord's ultimate victory and His unwavering presence.
2. The Certainty of Resurrection from Falls: "When I fall, I shall arise." This echoes the truth that for the righteous, a fall is never final (Proverbs 24:16). It's not if we stumble, but when. Yet, the promise isn't based on our own strength to get up, but on the resurrecting power of God who lifts the fallen. This points to Christ Himself, who fell under the weight of the cross but arose in ultimate victory. Our arising is empowered by His Spirit dwelling within us (Romans 8:11). We may be pressed, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
3. God as Light in Our Darkness: "When I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me." Darkness represents confusion, sorrow, trial, sin, or the feeling of abandonment. Yet, even in the deepest darkness, where human hope fades, the believer has a steadfast source of illumination: the Lord Himself. He is the light that pierces all gloom (John 1:5), the guiding lamp unto our feet (Psalm 119:105). This isn't just optimism; it's the objective reality of God's presence being our sufficiency when all other lights go out. His presence is our light, revealing His faithfulness and the path forward, even when circumstances seem bleak.
4. The Declaration of Unfinished Purpose: Therefore, the declaration, "You ain't done," transforms from mere bravado into a statement of divine purpose. It means:
• "I may be down, but my identity is not in my circumstance, but in Christ." My position before God is secure, regardless of my present struggle.
• "Weakness is the very place God's strength is perfected." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Apparent weakness doesn't signal defeat but invites the infusion of His limitless power.
• "Woundedness can lead to deeper healing and testimony." Scars can become reminders of God's faithfulness and conduits of His grace to others. Life persists as long as God ordains it (Psalm 139:16).
• "God specializes in resurrection and restoration." He brings life from death, beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3). What appears "decomposing" to the world is merely the fertile ground for God's miraculous work of crafting a future filled with His glory and purpose (Romans 8:28).
• "Present trials are temporary; God's redemptive dawn is coming." The "frosty foggy morning" of fear and uncertainty cannot ultimately prevail against the rising Son of Righteousness, who brings healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2). His light breaks through despair, bringing not just relief, but divine restoration and spiritual richness ("opulence").
5. Standing Firm in Grace, Not Aggression: Looking the "foe" (whether circumstance, spiritual opposition, or human antagonism) in the face is not about humanistic yelling, but about standing firm in the unshakeable truth of God's sovereignty and love. Our stance is one of faith, not fury.
• "I'm still standing" – because He upholds me (Psalm 37:24).
• "My muscles rippling" – spiritually, strengthened by His might (Ephesians 6:10).
• "My feet nimble" – shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15), ready to walk in His ways.
• "You ain't stopping me" – because God's purpose for my life will prevail (Proverbs 19:21).
6. Wielding Spiritual Weapons: The "fading punches of grace" isn't about attacking others, but about living in God's unmerited favor. Grace empowers us to forgive, to endure, to love, and to stand firm. These acts, empowered by the Spirit, are the spiritual weapons that confound the adversary (2 Corinthians 10:4). It's living out our faith with resilience and love that silences accusation and demonstrates God's power, pushing back the darkness. The enemy ultimately fails because his resources are finite and founded on lies, whereas our strength is infinite, drawn from the inexhaustible wellspring of God's grace and truth (John 8:32, 44).

Enduring Through Divine Enablement Take courage, not from within yourself, but from the One who has overcome the world (John 16:33). Even if you swing with what feels like fading strength, grace will give your blows divine force. The enemy's arrogance will be silenced, his schemes shattered, and his taunts turned to trembling. Why? Because God is on your side. And if God be for you, who can be against you? (Romans 8:31).
Therefore, take hold of His grace, which is always sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). You are not done because the Author and Finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2) is still working. His purpose for you endures, His power sustains you, and His light guides you. Stand firm, therefore, not in your own might, but in the mighty power of the Lord. Your story isn't over; His redemptive work continues. So rise up. Take courage. Take grace. The Author of your faith is not done writing. And neither are you. You are not finished. You're just being refitted—for greater glory.