The Battle

Have you ever noticed that when you are being used of the Lord, or are seeking to let Him use you, you come under special spiritual attack? It has been the case with us many times. It is not a unique situation, every true believer of the Lord Jesus faces this type of trial on occasion.

When you have had an opportunity to witness to someone or to encourage someone in the Lord be aware of the fact that the Devil will be working to sideline you somehow. Suddenly, it seems, and without prior warning there will be a flare-up between you and your spouse or conflict with your children or your parents. I can testify to this happening in our lives...in fact, we have come to expect it! Does that mean we live in fear? No, but we do see that we must fortify our marriage and our family with the Lord's Word and prayer.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12

"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." I John 4:4

What a blessing that we are not left to face these battles alone. The Lord is all-sufficient and He is Greater than the Devil, not to mention, He has already defeated this mutual foe! Fortify yourselves with the Word of God and prayer. Memorize Scripture and bring every thought captive to the Lord Jesus Christ. Don't listen to yourself...talk to yourself. We often don't obey the simple instructions we find in the Word of God. Philippians 4:8 tells us what to think about...judge everything according to this verse and assess if you are bringing your thoughts into subjection to the standard set before you there. If you are discouraged, take heart...the Lord NEVER gives more than we can bear WITH Him!

If you do have conflict, pray about it together...out loud! Confess your sin in front of those you have offended and look to the Lord together in prayer. The Lord delights to hear and answer these prayers...He will give you what you need! What a blessing that the Lord does not leave us to ourselves. "...I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5b

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16