Our Hope in the Midst of War
One minute of encouragement for your day.
A constant struggle is happening in and around us. As Paul warned the Ephesians, this battle is “not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12NASB) Battered by lies, we have a hard time identifying the real enemies, not to mention shielding ourselves from them.
How Do We Fight Such Enemies?
Our compromised human natures do not supply what is needed for this type of war. In the midst of such chaos, we must rely on someone greater than ourselves. Paul describes the tools God gives us as the armor of God; truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God (Eph. 6:14–17).
Although God equips us, at times we have a tendency to lose focus on things above and become tired, or fearful. When the battle seems overwhelming, we need not despair, but remember on whose strength we truly depend. The God who loved us so much that He sent His only Son to die for our sins also shelters and fights for us. Bad times will come and go, but God is in control throughout.
Stand Firm
God will fight for you when it takes everything to simply stand. Don’t give any ground to the enemy by watering down your testimony, or chipping away at your convictions. Rather, trust that even in the midst of war, God’s love abounds. He knows we need rest and replenishment, and will not let us be overcome.
Ephesians 6:13 …and having done everything, to stand firm.
