O Harnessing Spiritual Jujitsu: Use Adversity Against Itself with the Word of God

Harnessing Spiritual Jujitsu: Use Adversity Against Itself with the Word of God

March 8

In life, we often find ourselves facing challenges and obstacles that seem insurmountable. However, there is a powerful concept that I call spiritual jujitsu that teaches us to use the very problem against itself. Just like how David defeated Goliath by utilizing the giant's own sword to cut off his head (1 Samuel 17:50-51), we can confront our challenges with the tools they present to us.

Consider the example of Patty, who experiences sudden pain. Instead of succumbing to despair, she turns to her faith, shouting out the name of Jesus instead of just shouting out in pain or praying in her spiritual language as she writhe in pain. By doing so, she beginning to transform darkness into light, order out of disorder. This notion is rooted in the biblical understanding of what the Holy Spirit does with chaos - “tohu va bohu" is used to describe the state of the earth before God began the process of creation. It is often translated as "formless and void" or "chaos and emptiness. - which the Holy Spirit can transform into a God portal (face of the water) as He hovers over this dark place, and then God the Father uses this portal to call forth creation (Genesis 1:2-3).

The essence of spiritual jujitsu lies in redirecting adversity back towards God. Instead of being overwhelmed by our troubles, we wield them as weapons of faith. Just as Patty uses her pain as an opportunity to praise God, we can turn every trial into an occasion for worship. Scripture provides numerous examples of this principle in action. When the apostles were imprisoned, they responded by praising God, leading to their miraculous deliverance by an angel (Acts 16:25-26). Similarly, when the children of God faced overwhelming odds, their prayers invoked divine intervention, causing confusion among their enemies, and they (children of God) were able to throughly defeated them (2 Chronicles 20:22-23).

Harnessing spiritual jujitsu requires finding the "eye of the hurricane," a place of peace amidst the storm of adversity. By dwelling in this peace and speaking from it, we confound the enemy and assert our victory in Christ. Even in the face of death, we can declare with confidence that God has already triumphed (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). He is our resurrection and our life (John 11:25). Furthermore, we can find solace in the truth that our struggles are not in vain. Just as Jesus conquered death and rose again, we too can overcome every obstacle through Him (John 16:33). The Word of God is our sustenance and strength, guiding us through life's trials by eating the true bread - the Word of God (Matthew 4:4).

In conclusion, spiritual jujitsu offers a powerful paradigm for facing adversity with faith and courage. By wielding our challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth and worship, we demonstrate our trust in God's ultimate victory. As we navigate life's storms, let us remember to speak peace into the chaos and stand firm in the assurance of God's triumph.