Faith and The Battle

Last week I shared about walking through a season of what I called
“the blahs”.  They may occur after a season of victories, or they may show up during a time where you see little or no progress.  In the United States, like in other countries we are faced with some serious issues that have led to death and destruction. A few weeks ago a young woman was killed protesting the protestors in Charlottesville.  Many were killed in Spain around the same time, the murder weapon a car in both situations.  As I was reading my devotions, I came across 2 Chronicles 15:5.  I was amazed at how accurate it described our present day scenario.  During those dark times, it was not safe o travel.  Problems troubled the people of every land.  Nation fought against nation, and city against city, for God was troubling them with every kind of problem.  Wow!  I am not so bold as to say ” God ” is troubling us–I do know he can use and is using these problems we as humans, with our sinful nature have created for his purpose and plans.  I know these kinds of reports affect my spirit.  I admit I do have to fight what I call “turtling up”.  Drawing my head and heart inside and hiding away through distractions, busyness or depression.  I am so thankful for the next verse.  It gives us clear instruction.  But as for you, be strong and courageous. for your work will be rewarded.  2 Chronicles 15:7

The Chronicler is speaking clearly to you and me, be STRONG!  Be COURAGEOUS!  This definitely is not the  time to draw back, but it is a time to press in, using all the weaponry at our disposal.  Ephesians 6: 10  Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the whole of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

God has called and positioned  each of us in our sphere of influence to bring light into this world. We can do everything he has called us to do.  My friend, Bill Hinckley, (my bathroom remodel rescuer) was asked first by the Lord and then  his friend Mark to go with him to Virginia.  Unfortunately, that young woman, killed in Charlottesville, was Mark’s daughter.   Bill called, asking for prayer as they made the journey.  God went before them.  They discovered grace, peace and supporting care as they traveled.  They also encountered the spirit of division and hate that was the source of the rally’s that took the death of Heather.  Bill shared with me that as he prayed he watched attitudes change and love prevailed.  We must remember we are in a spiritual battle.  The main war, of course, was completed on the cross by Jesus; however, we must fight to bring the freedom he died for into our lives.  It may seem easier to just surrender to the blahs, depression, discouragement, but at what cost?  Our enemy will continue to try to take more and more from us.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor  so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.  Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.  Ephesians 6:13  It is God’s desire that we come through these battles with victory.  My family  all been having their share of battles lately, but we are all determined to come through still standing–not only for ourselves, but also for the next generation.  It is definitely not all about us.  So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable  always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 16:20