Are you engaged in battle with an enemy unseen?
Perhaps your battle is against anxiety, fear, panic, or a combination of all three. Maybe you’re not trusting God the way you should, or suffer from issues with your faith? If so, then you’re not alone.
As believers in Jesus Christ, our faith journey is not always smooth sailing. Life gets in the way with dark valley experiences and potholes, and I’m certain that as you read these words, you’re plowing through your own battery of afflictions.
Confession time…I suffer from worry, anxiousness, and yes trust and faith issues. I’m human, and just because I contribute to this Christian publication, does not mean I have things together and that my spiritual life is flawless. Like you I have crosses to bear and desperately seek and crave God’s mighty outstretched arm to rescue me from calamity and pain.
But to suffer is human. Jesus himself told us this, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)
Thankfully our Heavenly Father understands our frailty, our sin, and that we periodically flounder with our trust and faith. But here’s a fun fact! Through Gods strength, grace, mercy and love, he provides deliverance and victory from that which binds our faith and prevents spiritual growth.
When we pray and wait; when we drop to our knees in tears of sorrow; then pray and wait even longer; when God seems distant and uninterested in our plight, know this…God is in our waiting! Again, God is in our waiting! We may not always see evidence of this while in the thick of it, but he is working behind the scenes on our behalf and sees the whole picture in vivid color and finite detail.
Read this verse slowly, “The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven. The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.” (Deuteronomy 28:7-8 NIV)
A few days ago this passage impacted my thinking when it appeared on my bible app. In plain terms, there are times I feel defeated by the enemy. Is that relatable? But then I am reminded that Jesus has already defeated the devil, that because of his sacrifice on the cross for my sins, I am forgiven, I am victorious and I can overcome any storm thrown my way.
And so can you my friend. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Ask him to forgive you of your sins and invite him into your heart. Your life won’t become battle free, but with the Savior by your side, you will never again be alone in your battle.
Amen to that!
Paul Smyth