Enduring for Elevation: Finding God's Heart Through Life's Battles

When the storms of life rage around us, when enemies seem to multiply, and when darkness feels overwhelming—it's in these very moments that our faith is refined and our calling is revealed.

The Trust Test: Loving Through Persecution

There's a truth hidden in how we respond to those who hurt us: "If I can trust you with your enemies, I can trust you." -God

This isn't just about forgiveness—it's about spiritual maturity in Jesus Christ. When we pray for those who spitefully persecute us, both intentionally and unintentionally, something miraculous happens. The love of Christ isn't just demonstrated; it's conceived and birthed in our walk with Him.

This is where many of us find ourselves today—in the crucible of relationship challenges, betrayals, and spiritual attacks that seem designed to break us. But here's what I've learned: He draws close to the brokenhearted because the veil between heaven and earth grows thin in our extremities.

And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Matthew 6:12-14

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Psalm 34:18

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
Matthew 5:43-45

And David stayed in strongholds in the wilderness, and remained in the mountains in the Wilderness of Ziph. Saul sought him every day, but God did not deliver him into his hand. So David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. And David was in the Wilderness of Ziph in a forest.
1 Samuel 23:14-15

The Saul Season: Preparation or Pride?

We all face what I call "Saul seasons"—those times when we're hunted, misunderstood, or under attack. David had a choice during his Saul season: run in fear not wisdom, puff up in pride and vengeance, or trust God's preparation process and lead. Many of us miss the preparation because we're too busy running or fighting back in our own strength.

The beautiful promise remains: weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Yet for many reading this, it feels like an extended night season. Your robe of favor feels like it's being torn by spirits of envy. Your identity is being challenged, questioned, exposed.

But let me ask you this: Do you truly stand on the solid foundation of Jesus?

When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.
Proverbs 10:25

So it came to pass, when Joseph had come to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him.
Genesis 37:23

For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. 
Psalm 30:5

“For a mere moment I have forsaken you, But with great mercies I will gather you. With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,” Says the Lord, your Redeemer. “For this is like the waters of Noah to Me; For as I have sworn That the waters of Noah would no longer cover the earth, So have I sworn That I would not be angry with you, nor rebuke you. For the mountains shall depart And the hills be removed, But My kindness shall not depart from you, Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,” Says the Lord, who has mercy on you. “O you afflicted one, Tossed with tempest, and not comforted, Behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems, And lay your foundations with sapphires. I will make your pinnacles of rubies, Your gates of crystal, And all your walls of precious stones. All your children shall be taught by the Lord, And great shall be the peace of your children. In righteousness you shall be established; You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; And from terror, for it shall not come near you. Indeed they shall surely assemble, but not because of Me. Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake. “Behold, I have created the blacksmith Who blows the coals in the fire, Who brings forth an instrument for his work; And I have created the spoiler to destroy. No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord.
Isaiah 54:7-17

The Joseph Journey: Chosen for Greater

Like Joseph, many of us are journeying through a series of events designed to uncover and reveal our true identity in Christ. Here's a hard truth: many are called, but few are chosen—not because God plays favorites, but because many don't want to walk through the desolate, dark places of the valley.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4

“For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Matthew 22:14

If you're reading this and feeling isolated, misunderstood, or like you're carrying a burden too heavy for others to understand, I want you to know something: you likely carry a higher mantle than most. Your preparation will be different from your "eleven brothers." Like Joseph, you may feel like a loner walking into your kingdom identity, and that's precisely because you're meant to draw that identity directly from Christ Himself.

Learning to Grow in Warfare

Here's what I've discovered: you must learn how to grow during warfare, or you'll drown. You may find yourself echoing Jeremiah's lamentations, feeling the weight of spiritual battle and emotional exhaustion. But will you also profess God's goodness like Jeremiah did, even in the midst of your physical and emotional laments?

Your gifts—those unique callings and talents God has placed within you—are being rooted deeper during this season. This depth only comes when Satan becomes an unwitting tool in your journey toward God's heart. The enemy means it for harm, but God is using it for your good and His glory.

I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of His wrath. He has led me and made me walk In darkness and not in light. Surely He has turned His hand against me Time and time again throughout the day. He has aged my flesh and my skin, And broken my bones. He has besieged me And surrounded me with bitterness and woe. He has set me in dark places Like the dead of long ago. He has hedged me in so that I cannot get out; He has made my chain heavy. Even when I cry and shout, He shuts out my prayer.
Lamentations 3:1-8

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. 
Job 1: 9-12

You Are Not Alone

Let me speak directly to your heart: You are not alone. You do not have to be afraid. But you do need to know how to increase in prayer and walk out the Word of God in practical ways. This isn't a time for passive faith—it's a time for active, intentional spiritual growth.

Nations are waiting on the rise of Jesus in you. Think about that for a moment. Your breakthrough isn't just about you—it's about the people you're called to touch, the lives you're meant to impact, the kingdom purposes waiting to be fulfilled through your obedience.

teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. 
Matthew 28:20

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

A Light on a Hill

You are a light meant to be set on a hill, and right now, that light is being kindled in intense heat so it will never dim. The furnace you're walking through isn't random—it's purposeful. Every challenge, every attack, every moment of isolation is preparing you for elevation.

Remember: It's not personal if it's warfare. It's not personal if it's preparation.

Time to Rise

Saints, it's time. Time to endure for elevation. Time to trust God with your enemies. Time to embrace the preparation process, even when it's painful. Time to grow in warfare instead of simply surviving it.

The broken places in your heart? They're where His light shines brightest. The attacks you're facing? They're confirmation of the calling on your life. The isolation you feel? It's drawing you deeper into intimate relationship with the One who will never leave you nor forsake you.

Your elevation is coming. Your breakthrough is near. But more than that—your deeper intimacy with Christ through this process is transforming you into the person He's always seen you to be.

Keep pressing.

Keep praying.

Keep believing.

The nations are waiting, and your time is now.

What season are you walking through right now? How has God shown His faithfulness in your own wilderness journey? Share your story in the comments below—your testimony might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.