He sits and waits patiently for the exact moment. From his concealed position, he moves his scope into focus until the crosshairs line up perfectly…

Sounds like a prologue from a movie, doesn’t it? But this is what your enemy does when you have a clear vision for your future. He doesn’t really waste time on people who maybe, sorta, kinda, wanna do something significant for God. It’s the brave ones he targets. The ones who use the gifts and talents God has given them to rock his kingdom of darkness and shake the foundations of his dodgy two-bit operation. 

^^ ain’t nobody got time for that

So, how do you stop this marksman from taking you out? How do you keep your focus on your God dream and move forward into it? 

1. Count the cost.

If you’ve started something you have to finish it. Luke 14:25 we find Jesus telling the crowd that they have to count the cost before following Him. “Just imagine that you want to build a tower. Wouldn’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to be sure you have enough to finish what you start?”

Unfinished dreams do not glorify God. You have to be as savvy as the sniper that the enemy has sent, otherwise, the calling that God has for you will be caught in the crosshairs of Satan’s weapon. It won’t be the trigger he’ll squeeze but your dream. He’ll squeeze out the life and kill the dream before it’s gained any traction unless you’re willing to count the cost and invest your time and energy into seeing your vision come to pass. 

^^lock and load, baby.

2. Position yourself

When you get serious about your God dream, the enemy will line up the crosshairs on his scope from his hidden position and aim them at the heart of your calling. Standing alone makes you an easy target so position yourself with some people who can help, mentor, pray and cheer you on with your God dream. Habakkuk 2:1 says, ‘I will take my place at the watchtower. I will stand at my post and watch.’ Don’t give the sniper a chance to line you up in the crosshairs of his rifle. Position yourself!

^^same rule applies to chocolate, doughnuts and coffee

3. Take aim and pray

How much patience does a sniper have? A lot more than we have sometimes while waiting for our answered prayers. Prayers can take weeks, months or even years to come to pass but that shouldn’t stop you praying rapid-fire to cover you. I don’t know why it takes God a long time to answer some of our requests. From my experience, I’ve learnt that He wants to build something in you, some character trait that you’ll need for the next part of your journey toward the dream He’s given you before He can give you the go-ahead. Philippians 4:6 reminds us, ’Don’t be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come.’ Take aim and pray.

Oh, and one more thing. Snipers have the best observation techniques. So, why not show your enemy the two lines that intersect in the shape of a cross? The same crosshairs that, ‘…disarmed those who rule over us – those who once ruled over us…’ (Colossians 2:15) The power of the cross will expose your sniper and show him that he has been caught in the crosshairs of a risen Saviour which defeated him once and for all! 

Wendy xo