"But when David’s oldest brother, Eliab, heard David talking to the men, he was angry. 'What are you doing around here anyway?' he demanded. 'What about those few sheep you’re supposed to be taking care of? I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!'” 1 Samuel 17:28
"When Ahab saw [Elijah], he exclaimed, 'So, is it really you, you troublemaker of Israel?'" 1 Kings 18:17
"But when the Pharisees heard about the miracle, they said, 'No wonder [Jesus] can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons.” Matthew 12:24
There are some similarities in each of these stories:
1. In each instance, the men "delivered" in one way or another. David arrived on the scene of the confrontation between Goliath and the Israelites because his father wanted him to deliver food to his brothers and report back their situation. The prophet Elijah delivered a pronounciation of drought to the King who had led his people into worship of false gods. Jesus "delivered" a demon posessed man. Each had done the right thing, and because they did they right thing they found themselves in the crosshairs of the enemy.
2. In each instance, the men were accused. David was accused of pride and deceit, though he had come out of obedience to his father. Elijah was accused of being a troublemaker, though it was Ahab whose actions had brought the Lord's judgement. Jesus was accused of doing the devil's work, though it was his accusers who were on the devil's side. Each time, the accusations could be turned around on the accusers. That's just how the enemy works. The Word tells us he is the accuser of the brethren. It's his title. It's who he is. When you do the work of the Lord and are lied about, you can be sure it comes from one source, and often times it comes through someone who is projecting their issues onto you.
3. In each instance, the accused knew they were anointed. When you know you are set apart by God for a purpose, the attacks can't stop you, because you understand the mission is greater than you. There is a Holy Spirit given confidence that arises from knowing who and what you are. These men combated lies with the truth, but they didn't allow their detractors to stop them from moving forward. The only person who can stop you from living out God's plan in your life is you. No devil, no spirit, no accuser, no hater, nobody can impede His Plan, and nobody can override his anointing. The only way the accuser of the brethren can win is if you decide to lie down and let him win.
David still killed the giant. Elijah would still call down fire from heaven and bring the nation back to God. Jesus would continue to work miracles. When you know you are anointed, no one can convince you otherwise, no matter the scheme.
In the beginning of my ministry I dealt with nasty accusations like these. For a while, I was paralyized by the drive to constantly defend myself. Then one day the Lord gave me a mantra, "let the anointing be your defense." For those who wanted to hate me, no amount of explanation would change their minds. But for those who wanted to see the truth, they would if I could just walk out who God called me to be.
If you find yourself distracted by accusations, I encourage you to turn your eyes to the One who chose you. What does He say about you? I assure you there is no man on this planet whose words have more weight than His. Man can distract for a while, don't give him the satisfaction when the One who has always been and will always be has put His mark on you.
