God is moving across the earth in a way that no room can contain it. We are seeing the first signs of a great harvest among children and young people, and a fresh boIn every believer’s journey, the greatest desire is not merely to start well, but to finish well. 

God’s intention for each of us is that we would run our race with endurance and complete the assignment He has placed upon our lives. 

Yet, the enemy’s plan is the opposite — to slowly separate us from our purpose and to draw us away from the call of God through subtle stages of disloyalty.

The story of Absalom is a sobering reminder of how a once-faithful heart can become deceived. Absalom was David’s son, positioned close to the throne, blessed with favor, and surrounded by opportunity. Yet, his journey ended in rebellion and death — not because of one great act of defiance, but through a series of small compromises that hardened his heart.

In the same way, the enemy works patiently. He doesn’t strike randomly; he waits for the right moment, when we’re weary, offended, or distracted — to begin his slow erosion of faithfulness. 

There are eight stages that lead from loyalty to rebellion, and every believer must guard their heart against them.

1. Independence

It starts with the whisper: “I don’t need them. I can do it my way.”
An independent spirit resists accountability and forgets that God designed us to thrive in family and community. We were never meant to walk alone. Isolation is fertile ground for deception.

2. Offense

The next step is offense — when hurt or disappointment festers into bitterness.
Offense is a trap. It blinds our discernment and poisons our spirit. Absalom became offended with his father, David, when justice was delayed, and instead of surrendering his pain to God, he nursed it until it became rebellion. Offense may begin in silence, but it ends in separation.

3. Passivity

After offense comes passivity. The once-engaged heart grows cold and indifferent. We withdraw from serving, stop participating, and convince ourselves that “someone else will do it.” But passivity is not peace — it’s the quiet death of passion. The moment we stop building, the enemy starts sowing.

4. Criticism

Then comes the critical spirit.
Those who once encouraged now analyze, gossip, and judge. Critical eyes magnify flaws and minimize grace. But every time we criticize what God is building, we distance ourselves from the anointing He has placed upon it. The true church builds; the false church breaks down.

5. Politics

At this stage, disloyalty seeks company.
Absalom began to whisper at the city gates, saying, “If only I were king…” (2 Samuel 15). He used influence to draw others into his offense. A political spirit manipulates through sympathy, dividing people and sowing suspicion. But true unity never needs persuasion — it flows from purity of heart.

6. Deception

Deception begins when truth becomes blurred. We start justifying rebellion, misquoting scripture to support personal agendas, and mistaking emotion for revelation. Like Lucifer, who once led worship in heaven but desired God’s throne, deception convinces us that “our way” is better than the order God has established.

7. Rebellion

What begins as a thought soon becomes action. Rebellion openly resists authority and rejects correction. It no longer hides behind words — it manifests in behavior. Yet, the purpose of authority is not to control but to protect. Those who resist God-ordained authority step outside of divine covering and expose themselves to destruction.

8. Execution

The final stage is tragic.
Like Judas and Absalom, rebellion ends in self-destruction. The enemy’s ultimate goal is to isolate, deceive, and destroy those who once carried the light of purpose. But it does not have to end this way. Repentance breaks the cycle. Humility restores the heart.

Guarding the Heart

The good news is this: at any stage, you can stop the process.

You can choose to forgive, reconnect, and return to the place of surrender. God’s mercy is greater than our mistakes. Peter denied Christ, yet he found grace and restoration. Judas refused it and perished in despair.

Let us, therefore, guard our hearts. 

Let us remain teachable, humble, and loyal to God, to His Word, and to His house. 

The church is powerful when united, unstoppable when aligned, and victorious when submitted to the King.

A Call to Finish Well

We are living in a critical hour. 

The enemy’s global strategy is to control communication, commerce, and culture — but the true church is rising. God is calling believers who will walk in purity, honor, and unity.

May we be the generation that says:

“Lord, find us faithful and fruitful. Find us loyal, steadfast, and unshakable.
We will not bow to the spirit of Absalom.
We will finish the race strong.”

Key Takeaway

Faithfulness is not proven in moments of excitement but in seasons of testing.

Stay connected. 

Stay humble. 

Stay loyal to the call of God.

And above all, finish well.