Zechariah 1:20

In the vision described in this chapter, the prophet saw four terrible horns. They were pushing this way and that way, dashing down the strongest and the mightiest; and the prophet asked, "What are these?" The answer was, "These are the horns that have scattered Judah." He saw before him a representation of those powers that had oppressed the Church of God...Spurgeon

Interesting to say the least, in my opinion. These dreamy visions in the Bible can seem overwhelming, but usually the message is simple. This vision reveals a simple message...the powers that are against the Church are always at work and come from every angle to attack. Think your life is running along smoothly with no attacks? Think again. If you are so much as even attempting to live faithfully for the Savior of men, expect to be attacked. And it may not be so obvious. I was reminded of this truth this week as I pondered why my kids have been so restless and contentious lately. In the book "Wild At Heart" by J. Eldridge, he comments that Satan will stop at nothing, even attacking your children to promote strife, arguments and frustration in your family. He will use subtle methods to create marital problems and divide the family. We chalk it up to everyday problems, while Satan sits back and laughs at our ignorance. Some attacks are, indeed, obvious. As a family, we have been dealing with an obvious attack for 4 months now. One in which someone is trying their best to thwart my effort to move on in life. You'd think it would be over, yet God continues to permit the situation. We are trusting it's for our good and will continue to cause growth in our lives. But don't think for a second we don't want it to end.

There were four horns, for the church is attacked from all quarters. The prophet had good reason to feel dismayed; but suddenly there appeared before him "four craftsmen." He asked, "What are these coming to do?" These were the men whom God had found to break those horns in pieces. God will always find men for His work, and He will find them at the right time...Spurgeon

The attacks not only come, but from the 4 quarters of our lives. Translation? From everywhere. Yesterday, while leaving for work, I missed a step on the stairs. I struggled down the flight a good 10 steps before recovering (the wall and handle saved my tail). I got spun around in every direction and finally slammed into the wall, coming to a stop with my ankle throbbing. I felt as though someone had spun me and pushed me down the stairs. Often in our daily lives, Satan does just this. He pushes us and then cruely spins us around spiritually, so we don't even have a bearing. Then we "try our best" to recover. Problem is God doesn't need us to "try our best." He needs us to rely on him to provide the resources and strength to recover us. And he is doing just that...providing everything needed to recover...everything.

And interestingly enough, in the vision, the terrible horns are dashing down the "strongest and mightiest." I know for certain I am not the strongest or mightiest, yet I still attempt to recover on my own. It's such a shame when I catch myself trying to be the craftsman. God must find it humorous. In his grace, he gently directs me back to reality.

--Peter