TODAY’S INSPIRATION: STAND FIRM IN THE BATTLES; THE WAR HAS BEEN WON!

Last week was challenging to say the least. It took me down. I’m still recovering. I felt like I lost the battle. But then I was reminded that there is always a purpose in our pain and there is always a message in our mess. The Holy Spirit reminded me that we should still rejoice in the mist of the battle because the war has already been won. So I got back up with the help of the Lord and I am prepared to fight again. If you think about it that’s a win when we get back up. You may be thinking make it make sense. A lost is a lost is a lost. Wrong thinking. First you must know that a battle is not a war, a battle is part of a war. You cannot have a war without battles and fights. And if you lose the battle, it does not mean you have lost the war.  

{A Psalm of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed.} “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1)

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

When we are in a battle, we need to recognize who we are fighting. It is not our family or friends. It is not our coworkers or spouses. It is not physical, financial or mental issues. It is not the darkness we see happening in our life or in the world, it is the darkness we cannot see, not with our natural eyes. Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12 that the battles we have in life are not flesh and blood but are evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world. In other words the battle is spiritual, not physical. Every day we are in warfare with the enemy. Satan and his demons are working overtime to wreak havoc in our lives by any means necessary. They know our weaknesses and they know our sin patterns, and their job is to exploit them. Every battle or problem we have in the physical, started in the spiritual. Every negative thought in our mind, which is the battlefield, is satan working overtime to discourage our walk with God. The Bible tells us in our fight with this enemy, we must be aware of his tactics. The Apostle Paul tells us the main characteristics of satan. He uses his power for evil and destruction. He is connected with darkness. He has authority to rule the world. We can look around us and see his work in progress with our natural eyes. However, we need spiritual discernment and awareness because Satan and his demons are deceptive, they sometimes can disguise themselves as wolves in sheep’s clothing. We must pray as Elisha, asking God to open our spiritual eyes so that we may see and not be deceived. ( 2 Kings 6:17) We need to be knowledgeable of spiritual warfare and the tricks and schemes of the enemy. Hosea 4:6 tells us that God’s people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

“So that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” (2 Corinthians 2:11)

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”( John 15:5)

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” (Isaiah 40:29)

Jesus tells us in Luke, chapter 10:19, that He has given us authority and power over the enemy. The Bible also tells us that Jesus Christ defeated satan and his demons and took away their power. So why does satan who knows he has been defeated continue to attack us? And why is he so determined to rob us of everything the Lord has promised us, which includes eternal life for those who choose to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I will tell you why, we are a threat to the devil’s kingdom. As Believers we have a target on our back. The enemy will attack the strongest and most faithful followers of Christ as well as believers who are not as seasoned. It doesn’t matter if you have big faith or faith as small as a mustard seed. He is relentless because he is scared. Why is he scared? Because he knows the truth! It is vital that we know these truths as well;

1. The devil can only operate within the confines of what God allows him to do. (Job 1:12)  

2. Satan will never be able to attack us or harm us any more than we are capable of handling through Christ. (1 John 4:4)

3. Jesus gave us authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt us. (Luke 10:19)

4. God gave us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ who triumphed over the principalities and powers! (Colossians 2:15, 1Corinthians 15:57)

These truths are why the devil wants to remove us away from God. He knows we cannot fight spiritual warfare in our own strength. He knows if God opens our spiritual eyes we can see exactly what he is up too. We must stay connected to God by seeking Him daily. Tony Evans said it best, “Stand firm in the area that has already brought victory.” Jesus who won the war will also fight our battles. He will protect and strengthen us through our trials and difficulties. In James 4:7 we are reminded to submit to God and to resist the devil and he will flee. The enemy cannot defeat you in his power, he can only defeat you if you give up your power and give him permission. I encourage you to not give up if it looks like you are losing the battle, instead stand firm, push, praise, and pray! Know that it is not over because the war has been won and the enemy has been defeated. Because of Jesus Christ, we have the victory! Love and Blessings…

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)