Winning the Descent

On day three, we learn what we can do to help us prepare to manage the descent well. When we are at our lowest and weakest, that is when the enemy is going to strike, but we can be prepared and be aware.

One of the most overlooked areas of winning the descent is backside prayers. Today, Louie Giglio will discuss the importance of praying just as much after the summit as you do before.

Summary

Anticipate the Attack.

On the way down the mountain, the enemy is going to attack. When Jesus was led into the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights, he fasted the entire time...by the time he was finished, he was hungry! He was exhausted, physically drained, and had fought to be with His Father. He came out completely filled with the Holy Spirit. The enemy waited to come and tempt him until he knew he was stretched the thinnest. Luke 4 discusses this in detail. Always be aware that the enemy is out to tempt you. In Luke 4:13, it says that Satan left, waiting for a more opportune time.

If you don't anticipate the attack, you'll put yourself in some really scary positions. It is not good to be alone on the descent because the enemy is coming for you.

In 1 Kings 18-19, we see Elijah, through the power of God, destroy all the prophets of Baal. Then under the unbelievable unction of the Holy Spirit, outran Ahab's chariot back to Jezreel. When he arrived there, Jezebel threatened to kill him. Elijah became afraid and ran. The man who just saw a massive miracle found himself on the run because he didn't anticipate the attack.

We ready ourselves for the moment, but usually, the enemy is waiting on the backside to launch his attack when we are physically, emotionally, and mentally weak.

Pray Backside Prayers.

Many times, we get a major prayer offense going. We have multiple people praying for the same thing at the same time every day up until the event. However, once it's over, does everyone stop praying? That's when you need to be ramping up! Continue to pray for at least 30 days after. When you are going up the mountain, you can see every step in front of you; it's staring you in the face. On the way down, you're facing out and much more vulnerable. There's no falling up. Once you slip, you're falling down, and you're gone.

James 5:16 says that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Philippians 4:6-7 talks about how we don't need to be anxious about anything, but we can bring our requests to God, and His peace will guard our hearts and minds.

Prayer is powerful! It is so important to have intercessors that are on the backside that are powerful and effective. They can pray that peace takes over you and the team. They can ask for things according to God's will. You can rest assured that the prayers are heard.

It is also critical that you, yourself, partner in prayer as well. Engage with the Holy Spirit during the vulnerable aftermath so that you can be filled with peace and ask for protection over your heart, mind, and emotions.

1. How can you anticipate the attack? What type of mindset do you need to be in to handle the descent well? In what ways have you been attacked before? Do you have a specific area of weakness?

2. Look at 2 Kings 18-19. Make a timeline of the events that happened with Elijah. When did the turn happen? When was he his most vulnerable? How did the enemy attack him, and what was his response?

3. While the climb is its own hard, the climb down is even more difficult as each step is slightly unknown. How have you slipped on your way down? Do you have a group of people that would be willing to pray on the backside? Do you pray on the backside?

4. What do James 5:16, Philippians 4:6-7, and 1 John 5:14 tell us about prayer? Why should this spur us on to intercede on the descent?