An ally is an entity that comes to the aid of another with superior ability in one area or the other, helping it to overcome, defect or escape the oppression of an aggressor or dominant circumstances. One usually seeks an ally when there are indications that he or she may not be able to handle a situation alone. For example, when a nation discovers that it cannot overcome another nation in battle, such a nation may form an alliance with other nations which are also in enmity with the nation confronting it in battle. An example of this is the alliance of Moab, Ammon and Mount Seir which rose up against the Israelites (2nd Chronicles 20). In spite of this alliance, these three nations were defeated by the children of Israel because they had the Greatest Ally fighting on their behalf. When Paul and Barnabas took the gospel to Paphos, they were also confronted by Elymas the sorcerer (Acts 13:6-11). But for the greatest Ally, this sorcerer would have frustrated their efforts to win an important personality to Christ. With His help, Paul pronounced judgement upon the spirit of sorcery at war with them, and the result speaks for itself in Acts 13:12:
“Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.”
One important lesson to learn from this story is that witnessing for Christ without the backing of the Holy Spirit may not be successful. The Lord Himself confirms that the Holy Spirit is the Perfect Ally of the Church in the task of enforcing and expanding the kingdom of God (Acts 1:. I call Him my Senior Partner, and indeed, He is more than that in the real sense of it. Beloved, ensure that you also have the Holy Spirit as your Ally. However, this is only possible if Jesus Christ is not only your Saviour but also your Lord. Romans 8:31 declares that if we have God as our Ally, victory is guaranteed, regardless of how hopeless the situation at hand may seem. 2nd Kings 6:16 echoes a similar truth. Prophet Elisha and his servant woke up one morning to discover that they were surrounded by enemy soldiers with horses and chariots. Nevertheless, the prophet calmed his terrified servant down with these words in 2nd Kings 6:16:
“…Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.”
I therefore decree that in the Name that is above all other names, the Greatest Ally will rise on your behalf today, and the enemies that have been keeping vigil over your life will suddenly become outnumbered by the host of heaven.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.