Here’s an interesting letter I received. I enjoy receiving these letters. We read every one, and we try to answer them all.
Dear Brother Ollison:
This may seem like a strange letter, but I must tell someone who I feel will listen. Last month I decided to get closer to God. I have been reading my Bible more and I have started listening to preachers on the radio. When nothing is good on the radio, I listen to cassette tapes that people in my church give me. I read my Bible every day. I mean I really read it. It’s more interesting to me than television or movies. And it is all paying off spiritually. I have a closeness with Jesus I have never had before, but there is one problem.In the last month everything I own seems to be breaking down. Just yesterday I had two flats getting to church. I could understand it if my tires were old, but they’re not. I really think the devil is trying to distract me from the Bible and church. Is that possible? And if it is, what can I do about it?
I brought this up in Sunday School and I was just told to “hang in there” because there will always be trials and there is nothing I can do about it. Isn’t there something I can do while I “hang in there”?
Here is the letter I wrote in response:
Dear Friend:
What you have described is exactly something Jesus talked about in Mark, chapter 4. Here, Jesus told his disciples a parable, or story, about a sower who sowed seed. Some of the seed fell on the wayside and the birds of the air came and devoured it.Later when the disciples said they didn’t understand what Jesus was talking about, Jesus explained the parable to them. He said that the seed that was sown was the Word. And then He said that as soon as the seed is sown, immediately, Satan comes along to steal the seed.
My Friend, that is what is happening to you. You have been reading and hearing the Word. The Word is being sown into your heart and Satan doesn’t like that. He knows that faith comes by the hearing of the Word and he hates faith. His nature is to distract and steal and that is what he is trying to do to you.
You asked if there is anything you can do while you’re hanging on. Yes, there is. You can take authority over the one who is causing your distractions. You do not have to let the seed be stolen. Jesus Himself gave you this authority, but you are the one who has to take it.
In Ephesians the first chapter it says that we as Christians are the body of Christ and we are seated with Him far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named. That is not just in the future, but in the here and now.
Jesus said “Behold, I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
So, don’t just hang in there. Take authority over the power of the enemy. Jesus gave it to you. He expects you to use it.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.