What if we prayed when facing battles?
Scripture is filled with teachings about battles.
In Ephesians 6 we’re encouraged to prepare for them.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
Notice that this passage doesn’t say, if battles come, it says “when the day of evil comes.”
We all face battles.
Some battles may come from our own doing, maybe making wrong decisions, or allowing sin to reign in our lives. Even then, God’s grace and mercy are available during these times to help bring us hope and lead us into a different direction.
But some battles come from the simple fact that we love and serve the Lord. Our enemy is working to destroy our very lives. We don’t bring on these attacks. Nothing we’ve done has caused this assault. We’re merely targets because of our love and service for God.
Don’t fear battles.
I John 4:18 tells us “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
Fearing these battles can only work to hinder our faith in the Lord and what he is doing.
As you face these challenging times keep these things in mind.
> You’re not going through this alone.
God will never leave you.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deut. 31:6
Take peace in knowing that Jesus is with you and as scripture tells us, he’s praying for us day and night.
As you go through this time he will “never allow you to be tempted beyond more than you can bear.” (I Cor. 10:13)
You never have to fear or worry that this may be too much for you to handle. God loves you too much to ever let that happen. His grace, mercy and love are always actively working in your life.
Romans 8:28 assures us that what Satan means for evil God will actually use for good.
“God works all things together for good to those of us who love him and are called according to his purpose.”
God will use the very schemes the enemy is using to destroy us, to instead, bless us.
> Without a battle there is no victory.
Take joy in the fact that although battles will come, so will blessings and rewards. Don’t just see these times as battles, see them as opportunities for God to bless you and glorify himself. They may be difficult but they’re not a waste.
Make it your goal to not just go through them but to grow through them.
> It’s only a season. It will end.
Some seasons seem long and difficult but they will end and a new season will come. So stay strong.
So, as you battle-on, PRAY:
- Pray for God to use this time in a powerful way.
- Pray for joy and peace, knowing that God is in control and will use this to deepen and broaden your life in him.
- Pray for God’s perspective. Although we cannot see everything God is doing, I often pray that God will allow me to catch a glimpse of his work. I ask him to bring my focus to more of his eternal perspective rather than my earthly one.
- Pray that you will be prepared in every way you need to be.
What can Satan do to those who have these attitudes?
The very things he’s targeting will be the very things God will use to bring blessing.
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Rom. 8:31