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When you go through hardships and are commissioned to fulfill difficult assignments, it’s natural to feel frustrated, down, and discouraged. Despite how you feel, the truth remains that you are anointed for this test, called for this hour, and equipped to endure this season. And if you don’t give up, a harvest of blessings awaits you on the other side. So, be encouraged!

I was watching a horror movie with hubby and the kids some time ago. In the film, there was a priest trying to cast a demon out of a person.

All our eyes were glued to the television, as the clergyman sprinkled holy water with shaky hands and backed away.

But the possessed person only grew more demonstrative and violent.

That poor priest was scared out of his wits, and the demon took full advantage of his obvious fear.

“See? This is what happens when you ain’t got no oil on your life,” I joked in the middle of the scene.

Having “no oil” is a Christian colloquialism—at least where I’m from— meaning someone does not possess the true power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, their efforts to manufacture a move of God fail, since power cannot be conjured that is not first possessed.

Growing up, our family traveled a lot with my father, a Pentecostal pastor and evangelist at the time, who cast out demons by the power of God.

Daddy would speak to an evil spirit inhabiting the body of a person and always say the same thing: “I don’t ask you. I don’t beg you. But I command you, in the name of Jesus, to loose your hold and come out!”

That old demon would come out, too.

Daddy, who had the oil on his life, used to tell me often, “You can’t be scared of the devil. You’ve got the power and the authority to cast him out in the name of Jesus!”

I never forgot that lesson.

Unfortunately, the priest depicted in the film based on true events was scared. And sure enough, that demon wore him out like the evil spirit wore out the seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva (Acts 19:13-16).

These seven men jumped on a popular trend at the time like folks do on TikTok these days. It was trendy for Jews to go around driving out evil spirits. So, the brothers figured, hey, we can try our hand at this demon-chasing thing by invoking the name of Jesus.

They would go to a demon-possessed person and say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.”

But, one day, the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?”

Then that evil spirit jumped on all seven of them, overpowered them, and gave them such a bad beating, they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

Though the devil is not stronger than Jesus, he is stronger than me and you on our own. Satan is not all-powerful, but he does have power, and it behooves us to respect that fact.

Casting devils out is not a game or a trend. You better sho’ nuff have some power or suffer the fate of the seven brothers with no oil.

Again, without anointing to cast the devil out, they got wore out.

Friend, the world can keep the carnal stuff; just give me the oil. Keep the popularity; give me the oil. Keep the awards and accolades; give me the oil.

Keep the trinkets and trappings of luxury and wealth; give me the oil. Keep the cliques, contacts, and connections; give me the oil.

I just want the oil of the anointing that breaks chains, tears down strongholds, and stops the enemy in his tracks.

The Old Testament Prophet, Samuel, had the oil—both literally and figuratively. In 1 Samuel 16, after King Saul disobeyed God and was consequently rejected by the Lord, Samuel was given an assignment: anoint a new king.

Even though Samuel had both the divine power and permission to do this, it wasn’t easy. At the time, Samuel was in a state of grief over God’s rejection of Saul. He was absolutely broken up about it. Also, Samuel knew that if Saul found out about his secret mission to anoint Saul’s replacement, Samuel could be killed.

So then, Samuel, even though he possessed the oil, was in a tough season, suffering mental anguish while being placed in physical jeopardy.

Even so, he did not forfeit the assignment he was anointed to complete. Samuel did what God said. He was obedient which is why he never lost the oil—unlike Saul.

Listen, friend, a lot of folks say they want the oil, right? They want to be anointed, but they don’t understand the cost and sacrifice of it. When you are anointed by God, saying yes won’t always be easy. He’ll send you places you don’t feel like going and ask you to endure things you’d rather not.

It costs you something to be a carrier of the oil.

Samuel had to anoint David. It was critically important. Why? Because the Messiah would come through David’s lineage. That’s why this was the most important assignment of Samuel’s ministry, though the assignment came at a bad time.

But Samuel was anointed even in bad times.

And Samuel headed to Bethlehem to anoint David, a shepherd, which prepared the way for Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who would also be born in Bethlehem, known as the City of David.

And just as Samuel was anointed for a purpose, so are you.

You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. God has His hand on your life. He has a greater plan for you. But you must be willing to keep on going in bad times. That’s what the anointing helps you do.

I know it gets hard, but again, you’re anointed in bad times. Anointed in sad times. Anointed in disappointing times. Confusing times. Perilous times.

Times when you’d rather throw in the towel, cut your losses, and walk away. Times when your pillow is soaked with tears.

Times when you don’t know how you’re going to make ends meet. Times when your body is racked with pain. Times when you don’t understand what God is doing. Times when your loved one is acting up. Times when a relationship you value is falling apart.

Times when you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired. Times when you’re still waiting on God to do what He promised. Times when you don’t understand why you must go through.

Instead of sulking, I want you to declare over yourself today, “I’m anointed for times like this.”

Oh, yes you are. God sent me to tell you, don’t you give up. You are valuable in the Kingdom. You have a work to do. And not only does your obedience position you to be a blessing, but also, to receive blessings.

When you carry the oil and walk in obedience, God rewards your faithfulness in affliction. He showers you with His goodness and favor for your willingness to keep on pressing, submitting, praising, and expecting Him to show up just like He always does.

Stay in the press, friend.

Despite difficulties wearing you down, you’re anointed to walk in these shoes. You have the power of the Holy Ghost dwelling in you!

To remind you of this truth, I’m stirring a sweetener into your cup of inspiration to confirm who you are. And it’s found in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 KJV, which says, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”

My, my…who is this word for?

As you drink down the contents of your cup, walk boldly in your calling. Never forget that the anointing oil that’s on you equips you to do greater things than you ever thought possible. This trial will not destroy you because the oil is on you.

If you don’t quit, you will reap the fruit of your obedience, and a mighty harvest will be released from Heaven.

Now, pray this prayer with me.

God, thank You for reminding me that I am anointed even in bad times. When I feel weak and weary, I praise You for Your equipping power that makes all things possible by faith. Despite the hardship, I will stand firm upon Your word, say yes to Your will, and stay positioned to reap the harvest and destiny You have for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you desire prayer, please allow me, along with my intercessory prayer team, to stand in faith with you for breakthrough. We would be so honored. We have seen God work over and over again. There is power in agreement. Click here to request prayer now.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!