Fighting Life's Battles

Why is it that when a soldier is caught under unexpected enemy fire, he immediately falls to the nearest pavement?  First of all, the soldier wants to protect himself from enemy fire and secondly, prepare for his next move.  Have you ever felt as if your life was parked right in the middle of a fierce battle?  You may have been ambushed from different angles and your first reaction was to protect yourself and get out of the way.  Scripture teaches that we are in an intense battle with the powers of darkness.  The enemy wants you to give into your sinful nature and lay flat on the pavement in hopeless fear as he launches his attack on your life.  The good news is that God’s power is sufficient to help you win the battle.  Your job is to stand up, walk in the Spirit and let God fight: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  

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.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Ephesians 6:10-13).

The LORD is my strength and my shield (Psalm 28:7a).  He will not allow you to enter a battle that you cannot overcome in the power of His Spirit.  He will not let you get trapped by the enemy without providing a way of escape.  No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).  Don’t fall down, give in, or give up when you are spiritually attacked.  Don’t be discouraged when life knocks you off your feet—STAND UP; PUT ON THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD, & LET GOD FIGHT THE BATTLE FOR YOU!

My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices,

and with my song I will praise Him (Psalm 28:7b).

My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26).

You have armed me with strength for the battle (Psalm 18:39).

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints (Ephesians 10:14-18).

EXAMINE- Read Ephesians 10:14-18.  What spiritual armor do you find lacking in your life this week?  How can you make this a priority today?

CONNECT- When was the last time you let your heart completely trust in the Lord to fight your battles?

CHANGE- Spend some time this morning thinking about God’s faithfulness and His provision in helping you overcome temptation.  Share a recent victory with someone who does not know Christ today.

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Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica.

Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.