HIDDEN BATTLES PODCAST “Experience And Endurance Leads To The Crown Of Life” (EPISODE #13)

Hey everybody, I’m Anne-Marie Michaelis, a Christian author and coach. Welcome to the Hidden Battles Podcast, a weekly podcast about the hidden battles of spiritual warfare and the struggles that go on in our minds and hearts, and the truth to overcoming these hidden battles. My life was radically transformed during a supernatural encounter with Jesus.

God allowed my eyes to be spiritually opened long enough to see the truth of these hidden battles and to scare the rebellion against him right out of me. In each episode, I share a true story about a real life experience, a teaching, and a final takeaway. This podcast will reveal the hidden battles that lurk in our minds and hearts, and the way out.

Hidden Battles, revealing what the enemy does not want you to know. Please take a moment to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and subscribe to my channel on

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In this episode of “Experience and Endurance Leads To The Crown Of Life,” I’ll be sharing a short story about a question that was asked during our small group studies the other day, which led to deep reflections on why we are tested in this lifetime and how it is for our benefit that we should experience, endure, and overcome through Jesus to pass the test and receive victory in this life and the life to come!  I’ll unpack what all this means in this episode!

Small Group Short Story

So, I was sitting in our small group study, and a group member asked a very thought-provoking question. Why would God have put human beings on this earth if Satan and a third of his minions (aka rebellious angels or fallen angels or demons or evil spirits) were sent hurling down to the earth as they were cast out of heaven because of their pride, arrogance, rebellion, and wanting to be “god”?

Why not put humans on a planet that didn’t have the evil and darkness we all face and battle in this lifetime? Just put us on another planet, and our lives would have been great or, at a minimum, much easier than trying to fight what I call “hidden battles” in our minds and hearts.

So, here I was sitting there, stuck on her very good question. Why did God put human beings on the same planet that Satan and his minions were cast down to rule over? He had an unlimited amount of choices out there. Why the same planet?

Sitting there, I imagined being on a utopian planet—no hidden battles. No temptations. No struggles. No darkness.  No hate.  No evil.  Then I thought to myself, how would I have learned anything if I never had a struggle, never experienced the darkness, and never tasted and felt evil in my own life?  How would I have appreciated the light? How would I appreciate God’s grace? How would I appreciate Jesus and the love and protection I felt during my encounter with Him? I wouldn’t be able to.

I would not have valued Him like I do now. I would have taken Him for granted. I took Him for granted most of my life until it got so bad that I was at the end of the road.

What if I never even had a struggle? I may never have known the love, grace, patience, peace, and power of God. I would have nothing to compare the light and love of God to.  There would have been no darkness and evil.

1 John 1:5 (AMP) – This is the message [of God’s promised revelation] which we have heard from Him and now announce to you, that God is Light [He is holy, His message is truthful, He is perfect in righteousness], and in Him there is no darkness at all [no sin, no wickedness, no imperfection]. 

1 John 4:8 (AMP) – The one who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. [He is the originator of love, and it is an enduring attribute of His nature.]

How could I have a full understanding of “light” and “love” (the nature and essence of God) without the experience of “darkness,” “hate,” and “twisted half-truths” to more clearly recognize, see, and understand the difference?

So, I shared with our small group what was going on in my mind as I pondered this wonderfully crafted and excellent question!

I shared my thoughts that God had no choice. We could not know and appreciate the difference, AND on top of that, we learn through our trials and tribulations! We learn godliness through our struggles.

God’s Word

Now, some will say that God is “responsible” for all the horrible things that happen in this world to good people and children.  But God is not evil and does not want to harm anyone. The author of that is Satan, and we are told by Jesus [John 16:33] that in this world, we will still have tribulation, distress, and suffering because the ruler or god of this word is Satan. Still, we are told to be courageous and confident because Jesus has overcome the world (which includes all the darkness of the enemy), and we can have victory through Christ if we abide in Him.

We’re also told that trials and testing of our faith, through experience, produce endurance, which leads to spiritual maturity and inner peace.  This means we cannot simply read or learn about this process and achieve the result that God intends.  We have to go through and experience it to grow and mature spiritually.  The fire of the experience will burn off and purify us (ex. harmful mindsets, ungodly traits, addictions, limiting beliefs, etc.)

James 1:2-3 (AMP) Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trails.  Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. 

Romans 5:3 (AMPC) Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] (which I am working on the fruit of the spirit “joy” … see episode “Joy … Where are you?” if you missed my latest “test” that God has me working on) let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance.

We’re reminded in [Job 1:6-22] and [Revelation 2:10] that God will allow Satan to test us and put us through a tribulation period.  But our faithfulness will win us the eternal crown of life!

Revelation 2:10 (AMP) Fear nothing that you are about to suffer.  Be aware that the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested [in your faith], and for ten days you will have tribulation.  Be faithful to the point of death [if you must die for your faith], and I will give you the crown [consisting] of life.

We know we will have to endure many bad things on this earth during this lifetime. Still, those who remain faithful will have everlasting life with Jesus and brothers and sisters in Christ.  Those who have chosen Jesus over the enemy, and yes, it is a choice.  If you haven’t chosen Jesus, you’ve, by default, chosen the world. 

My Dad used to talk with me during times when I was struggling to make a decision.  He always said that your “indecision” is the choice; therefore, you’ve chosen [xyz].  Whenever he put it to me in that manner, and I would hear him so simply tell me what choice I was ultimately making by NOT making a decision for the other.  It motivated me strongly to make the right decision quickly. The fear, doubt, worry, and indecision would disappear, and I would decide boldly after talking to him.

Scripture warns us about choosing the world.

1 John 2:15-17 (AMP) Do not love the world [of sin that opposes God and His precepts], nor the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust and sensual craving of the flesh and the lust and longing of the eyes and the boastful pride of life [pretentious confidence in one’s resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father, but are from the world. The world is passing away, and with it its lusts [the shameful pursuits and ungodly longings]; but the one who does the will of God and carries out His purposes lives forever. (re-read that last sentence … the will of God … God’s purposes … not our own selfish purposes … lives forever)

So, back to why it makes sense to me that God put us here on this earth to endure trials and tribulations from the world, Satan, and his army of fallen angels.  It’s to develop “godliness training”!!!!  Yes, godliness training!

1 Timothy 4:7-8 (AMP) But have nothing to do with irreverent folklore and silly myths. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness [keeping yourself spiritually fit]. For physical training is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.

What happens to your muscles when you don’t train them?  They atrophy (get smaller and weak). Usually, if you start training, have good strength, and then stop, you can feel the pain of the muscle as it atrophies. Now, think about if you have never worked a muscle to build any strength in it.  It would be SUPER weak and feel almost like there was no muscle to be worked!  But over time, you will eventually get stronger by taking baby steps in your training!

Let’s look at that in the context of godliness training. Let’s imagine you’re going through your difficulty, struggle, trial, tribulation, or stuck in a pattern of your life and not sure where or how to get out of it.  You’re striving towards something that seems to bear no good fruit—spinning your wheels in life.  Remember, scripture says your faith will be tested.  But, you might ask, what if I have never placed my faith and trust in Jesus?  That, my friend, is called an opportunity.  God sometimes gives us many repeated opportunities, but we don’t know how many “opportunities” we’ll get. So when you have that opportunity, seize it.  Surrender to the One that can transform your life- right side up.

So, think back to the muscle that you never trained before.  It seems non-existent.  It feels awkward and like a noodle muscle barely able to lift one pound. Compare that to your opportunity to surrender to Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit into your heart to help you in your godliness training. 

Yes, it seems unimaginable (it’s counter-worldly thinking). Yes, it may feel awkward initially (you’re not used to it, and it will take time to feel comfortable and know what to even do).  Yes, people may question your sanity (but what tests are they failing, unaware of, and don’t know yet)? 

Don’t let fear of others’ thoughts stop you from your breakthrough. Scripture reminds us that they should remove the log from their eye before judging others.  So don’t be fooled; they have a log in their eye and possibly don’t even know it!

So press forward towards Christ, Who will make your path straight and remove those obstacles that block your way.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP) Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways  know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].

Don’t be fooled!  Indecision IS the decision.  The choice?  Jesus or the world, and Satan, the “god of this world.

We’re reminded in [1 Peter 4:12-13] and [1 Peter 1:6-7] that the quality or genuineness of our faith will be tested and that we are to rejoice because we are being purified by the fire (by the test or trial).  The result is more precious than gold because our purification is everlasting!

1 Peter 1:6-7 (AMP) In this you rejoice greatly, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, which is much more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested and purified by fire, may be found to result in [your] praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Let’s look at the purification process for diamonds, which requires tremendous heat, pressure, and cutting to transform the diamond from an insignificant-looking pebble into a beautiful diamond.  The more cuts the diamond has, the more it can reflect the light and sparkle.  Like the diamond, our fires, pressures, and cuts (trials and tribulations) will prepare us through a purification process to be a reflective light in this dark world- the light of Jesus Christ.

If you aren’t training in godliness, being led through the fire by the Holy Spirit, and in a relationship with Jesus surrendered to Him, you’re not doing your godliness training.  You’re just not. 

You’re doing man’s version of trying to be a good person. The prosperity church’s version of the gospel and not what Jesus taught. Not the true word of God, not the full truth.  What is a partial truth?  A lie.  Who is the father of lies?  Satan.  So please don’t fall into his trap. 

It is time to get trained up!  It’s time to know what godliness training is and who teaches it!  It’s not you teaching it to yourself!  It’s God through His word.  It’s a relationship with Jesus.  It’s doing what Jesus commanded us to do. Yes, go talk to everyone about Jesus.  If you’re a “Christian” and don’t want to talk about Jesus to everyone- take it up with God’s Word because Jesus commands it.  He told us if you truly want to follow Me – pick up your cross, give up your own way, and do as I do. Jesus is the Way, not us.  What did Jesus do?  He preached the gospel to everyone, cast out demons, and healed the sick. 

What does Jesus tell those who believe in Him to do in Matthew and Mark?

Matthew 28:18-20 (AMP) Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”

Mark 16:15-18 (AMP) And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed [in Me] and has been baptized will be saved [from the penalty of God’s wrath and judgment]; but he who has not believed will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well.”

So, my friends … it’s time to get trained up, and it’s time to get bold. It’s time to stand up and speak up. The testing of your faith may not feel like you are being run through a fire or pressed like a rock.  It may feel like a season of drought.  Satan may have asked to test you like he asked to test Job. Perhaps God has allowed Satan to sift you like sand in other ways.  Maybe Satan is showering you with counterfeit blessings and tempting you to keep you from feeling the need to surrender to Jesus through all the temptations of the world.  Will you still seek Jesus’ face if you are not face down in the mud like I was?  Are you seeking His face and in relationship with Him? Or are you running after worldly treasures that you will not be able to take with you when you die?  Don’t be like me and take most of your life to surrender to Christ.

Now For Reflections

First reflection question:  Are you in a test? (there’s a high percentage chance the answer is yes)

Are you stubbornly staying in that test, holding onto something that maybe Jesus has been trying to wake you up and tell you, “No, this is not for you? It feels like it is.  I know you think this is the right way or what you should be doing, but it is not My plan and purpose for your life. (still, Jesus talking to you) I have so much more waiting for you if you can let go, turn away from [insert whatever it is], and turn to Me (Jesus still talking].  Let me show you what your life should look like. It won’t be easy at first. It will be different.  It may feel odd because you’ve lived in your pattern for so long.  But it will bear fruit because it is My way.  A way that was predestined before you were even born.  Once you walk in it with Me, you will understand things much more deeply than ever before.  But you must seek me with all your heart, mind, and spirit and turn away from your current “way of life” because it’s not THE WAY.  Your way seems right in your mind, but it’s not.  It’s an illusion from the enemy to keep you from what I have in store”. 

This, my friends, was what I learned the hard way—living a lie before hearing the truth from Jesus which sounded like this. I was in a test that I was failing at each day and each year and didn’t even realize it. 

Next reflection question: What does your test look like?  What is Jesus saying to let go of so He can lead you on a better path?

It’s time to let go and surrender to Jesus and the Holy Spirit.   Let Him lead you through the refiner’s fire.  It’s time to go from “dust” to “diamond,” that purification process can only happen once you surrender to Jesus and start allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you through the refinement process.  Get in the game and stop sitting on the sidelines.  Jesus is waiting to turn you from dust to diamond (making you brand new).  YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN.  Will you stay on the sidelines and decline His offer, or will you take that step and follow Jesus?

If you haven’t surrendered to Christ and are ready to start your walk with Him, let’s pray a Prayer of Salvation and begin your commitment to walk with Jesus and accept him as your Lord and Savior. Let him into your mind, heart, and every facet of your life. Pray this prayer with me; with all your mind and heart.

Heavenly Father, I come to you as a sinner in need of Your grace. I repent of my sins and confess openly with my lips that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I believe in my heart that He died and rose from the grave for my sins. Lord Jesus, I invite you into my life and ask for the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart; to be my teacher, counselor, comforter, and helper in all areas of my life. May Your will be done in my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.   

If you prayed this prayer of salvation, this is a good first step in beginning your walk with Jesus.  Relationships take effort and communication. Keep the communication channel open with Jesus so you can start building your relationship and hear what He has in store for you.  Get into His Word (the Bible) so you know for yourself what He says as He can speak through His Word directly to YOU! 

Hey, friends, that wraps up today’s Hidden Battles Podcast. A transcript for this week’s podcast, as well as my memoir, are available for free download on my website at goddesign.org, or check out some of my other books that you may find helpful. If you liked this episode, please share with others.

Hidden Battles, revealing what the enemy does not want you to know. Never stop praying, never give up, and I’ll see you next week.”