Nine life-changing words from a friend’s text resulted in the title and jumping off point for Louie Giglio’s latest book, “Don’t Give The Enemy A Seat At Your Table.” He centered his study on Psalm 23 and focused particularly on the first part of verse 5:
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
God doesn’t prepare a secluded table for two, Louie said. He prepares a table in front of Satan and his cronies. He prepares a table in front of those who hate me. God doesn’t rid me of enemies. He has a purpose that will bring Him glory, give me victory, and draw me closer to Him.
Louie wrote about how to kick the enemy to the curb. Believers have control over who they allow to sit at the table, in other words, who they allow to influence their thoughts. They have that authority in Jesus’ name.
But we’re human. Louie wanted to make sure readers know they’re not lost for good in those times when we’ve given the enemy a seat at the table. God provides a way out.
13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT)
That’s a passage often misquoted because people like to say, “God doesn’t give us more than we can handle.” Well, that’s not true. What is true is God won’t let us be tempted beyond our ability. He provides an escape hatch. The way Louie illustrated that passage made me laughed out loud:
“The first doorway out is a regular-sized door you’d find in any house. The second doorway out is a pet-sized door that folks cut for Fido to get out. The third doorway out is a teeny tiny Barbie house doorway that only your phone will slide through. But you can still win the battle. You don’t have to give the Enemy a seat at your table. You can still get out! (108).
That’s the best. It’s so true.
Louie told stories from his personal life and drew from scripture often to demonstrate “an even though…I will” faith. One example came from the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3. Read that whole passage over when you have a moment.)
King Nebuchadnezzar had this 90’ x 9’ gold statue of himself made and people were commanded to worship his image when a song played. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did not bow, but remained standing. The Bible said that astrologers told the king that the three men defied him. He was so angry he had the fiery furnace heated to 7X hotter than normal. The king gave the men one more chance, but they would rather die than disobey God. They said,
16 …“O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” – Daniel 3:16-18 (NLT, emphasis mine)
Some of the king’s men were killed as they ushed the three men into the furnace. Nebuchadnezzar saw them walking around unharmed, yes, but he also saw a fourth he said “look[ed] like a god.” The king praised God, drew them out, and promoted them to even higher positions in government. He issued a decree that anyone speaking against them would be torn limb from limb and their houses turned to rubble. At the end of verse 29, the king said, “There is no other god who can rescue like this!”
What an impact an “even though…I will” kind of faith made on the king. That kind of faith still moves people. Louie said God prepares the table in front of my enemies so they can see Him at work in my life and draw them ever closer to Him as well.
My women’s group used his companion study guide for our meetings. The the six-session guide has questions to lead discussion as well as questions to enhance personal study. He also provided outlines for the separate DVD as well as full passages he used from the Bible.
My group finished the “Armor of God” study from Priscilla Shirer prior to starting this book (see review). I found myself revisiting ideas from her study as I read Louie’s book. His focus was similar on this unseen battle that’s going on for control of our minds. He too wanted to make believers aware that they already have victory because of Christ. Because we chose to work through these studies back-to-back, I feel the concepts in both made for easier discussion, while also enhancing recall of important information.
I was excited for this book to come out and was not disappointed. Louie is such an engaging writer. I heard snippets on this topic way before hearing he was writing a book. I saw many backorder notices when I tried to order another book after purchasing mine. His message has hit the mark! If you would like to sign-up for his free study from this book, go to Chistianbook.com and provide your email to subscribe. You can also purchase his book while you’re there. His book also is available electronically for kindle and for nook.
“The promise of this book is anchored in a message from your Creator. His words to you in Scripture are alive and powerful. His words can break strongholds that have held you captive for years. They can help you think clearly again. His words will give you brand-new sight.” – Louie Giglio
The Waiting Room 
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