I sent topics to Rivergate’s Conquering Prayer Team this week and, as I typed, the image of an old cardboard evidence box popped into my mind. It was taped shut, and tired hands were slowly forcing the lid off, in spite of the tape’s protests. Across the lid was written in black marker: “Cold Case.” I knew (as one knows things in visions and dreams without specific communication) that the boxes (there were multiples) contained old issues and attacks against God’s children, and that the hands opening the boxes belonged to the enemy’s harassment staff. I sensed this indicated a fresh wave of internal accusation coming against some of us. “Internal,” meaning the battle will likely be private, mental, and emotional, rather than public, legal, and relational. Now, I’ll be honest. When I got this, I was annoyed. I’m really not in the mood for harassment. It’s bad timing and an overall pain in the neck. Besides, I know the end of the story and we win! So, if you’re feeling the same, please keep reading. There’s good news, I promise!
I asked Papa, “How can the enemy do this?” He replied: “Well, son, the nature of a “cold case” is that it was never really settled in the first place. The truth didn’t fully come out. Final judgment wasn’t applied.” The words hit their mark. Sometimes, our issues go dormant without ever truly being dealt with. Imagine having an issue with a co-worker who gets transferred before you address it. True, you avoid confrontation, but you also avoid the growth it could have produced. Parts of you that God wanted to mature through the confrontation remain untouched. Our King is too committed to our Christlikeness to let pieces of our soul remain underdeveloped. A “cold case” in God’s eyes, is one where the sacrifice of Christ (judgment) has yet to be fully applied.
And that good news? What the Father said next was critical and beautiful: “I want to beat the enemy to the punch! If you’ll trust Me, I’ll drag those issues into the light before the harassers start pounding you in the dark. I’ll help you dig down to whatever guilt or weakness contributed to the issues and together, we’ll apply the Blood of Jesus. It’s gonna be great! The case will be closed. You’ll be free from this issue and ready to bear more fruit.” It’s exciting when God warns us about things He’s also committed to helping us overcome. Rather than groan at the prospect, I’m choosing to glory in the promise!
So, if some old issue resurfaces in your soul, dismiss the condemnation and let God expand the Lordship of Christ to the space. Let Him confront within you whatever He wants to strengthen and mature. Not only will it change your life, but the lives of everyone you touch as well!
Forever panning for gold,
Chris Liotta
