The enemy.

Exodus 15:9-13, "The enemy said, 'I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my desire shall be gratified against them; I will draw out my sword, my hand shall destroy them.' Thou didst blow with Thy wind, the sea covered them; they sank like lead in the mighty waters. Who is like Thee among the gods, O Lord? Who is like Thee, majestic in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders? Thou didst stretch out Thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. In Thy lovingkindness Thou hast led the people whom Thou hast redeemed; in Thy strength Thou hast guided them to Thy holy habitation."

The enemy is indeed real, and powerful; and in the past, God has used enemies to bring discipline to His own people. We live in a time when we need to be interceding before His throne of grace for so many who so desperately need Him and don’t even know it. Even if He chooses to bring His discipline in our own time, we know that He is still in control. We can ask as David did, to come under His discipline, for we know that while He is just, He is also a God of great mercy.

We need to be reminded to pray for those who do not even know that they need You; we come before Your throne of grace, that we may receive mercy in our time of need.