Written
on: 04 – 03 – 2013
Isolation in this case can be referred to as the divide and conquer mechanism of the enemy (the
devil).
This is a veritable tool of the enemy. Satan’s goal is to
destroy the link between mankind and God. The most formidable way to do that is
to isolate individuals and thus weaken the collective strength of a target
group.
Remember, God has always highlighted the strength that lies
within bond and unison in action. His word says; one will chase a thousand and
two will chase ten thousand. His word also says, where two or more are gathered
in my name, therein will I be. The importance of collectiveness in actions,
deeds and assembly/fellowship; in Christendom cannot be overemphasized.
The devil is a very cunny creature and master strategist at
that. The only thing going against him is that he never seems to learn that God
has the capacity to change/turn any and every situation for the good of His
children. No matter how far gone the devil thinks he has succeeded in a
particular life, God is always capable of using that to His advantage. God
maketh all things work for our good. God’s good plan for believers is the
perpetual spanner in wheel/work of the devil.
HOW DOES THE DEVIL GO ABOUT THIS?
First and foremost, we must always realize that we are only
as strong as our weakest member! Instead of pushing away that person who seems
more prone to falling off the track, we ought to even draw him/her closer both
in prayer and otherwise.
The devil targets the most vulnerable point, in fact he
diligently seeks it out. The scripture affirms this when it says he is moving
to and fro like a lion seeking whom to destroy. Note, this scripture is so apt in describing the devil in the context of this write-up because, just as a pride a lion seeks to isolate a target amongst a herd, so also does the devil and his agents work. The weakest link is the easiest
target and the dirty player he is, will not hesitate to strike that individual
and thus weaken the group.
We should never be ignorant of the devils devises. By
causing strife and disaffection with those who are true allies, associates and
friends and creating illusionary and ephemeral
bonds with fair-weather friends, sycophants and individuals who speak
what we desire and want to hear and not what we need to hear(the truth – for it
is only the truth that can set us free), he begins his divisive work. This
brings about ISOLATION from those who are supposed to lift us up and provide
support when we need it.
When he successfully draws out the weakest, he has already
succeeded in isolating that person, and the sycophants and illusionary friends
dissipate into the thin air, leaving him/her all alone.
At other times he doesn’t necessarily target the weakest
link. Let’s take the case of Joseph as an example. He knew that Joseph was
destined for greatness. He figured (wrongly I must add) that his greatest
chance of destroying Joseph was isolating him from his brethren and parents. He
strategically went about doing this, thus;
He first and foremost capitalized on the preferential
treatment given to Joseph by Jacob – their father – to sow the seed of discord
and hatred. The second step was ensuring that Joseph spoke of His dream without
wisdom and without contemplating the implication of doing such. Who knows if it
was even the devil that showed Joseph the dreams, for it was not revealed in
the scripture that God was responsible for the dreams. After successfully doing
that, he ensured that a second dream further watered the seed of strife and
sowed a similar one in Jacobs’ mind thus further isolating Joseph. The rest
they say is history.
Further to the above, Joseph was beginning to form a new
ally in Potiphar, but yet again the devil came up with a proposition for a
seemingly good ally in Potiphar’s wife, but Joseph was wise and didn’t fall for
this. At the end, God came good and turned the whole story around.
Through the ages past, the devil has employed the tool known
as isolation to attack great destinies. He tried it with Moses, with David and
even attempted it with Christ. In Christ’s instance, he didn’t isolate Christ,
He waited for an opportune time when Jesus was on His own and seemingly vulnerable,
but we know how that panned out.
We know that though
God has our backs, we still have to be wise and wary. Though we trust in the
power of God that worketh in us, we should not underestimate the devil and
definitely not rest on our oars, for the scripture says – let him that thinketh
he standeth take heed lest he falls!
Image gotten from: http://www.clipartpanda.com/categories/isolation-20clipart
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