The Year of Victory means Battle

Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over
but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon.

In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Ephesians 6:13-18 (The Message)

The Battle

Had you had times when you cried yourselves to sleep? i had.

Had you ever felt like giving up on everything and just SLEEP? Yes too.

Paul Moldenhauer's article was a good reminder. She said "I was in a battle ... the enemy was attacking.

I suddenly understood that I wasn’t battling the people who’d injured my heart, I was battling the demons the enemy sent to oppose me.

Ephesians says that we don’t battle against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers—the powers of the dark world and the spiritual forces of evil. Before I recognized the battle, I took the hits, thinking I somehow deserved such outrageous treatment.

But after I realized I was in a war, I sought God’s help to stay on my feet and fight and over time I gained the victory.

Today is about recognizing that there is a battle and we can’t fight on our own. Some of us want to ignore this possibility. We want to pretend there isn’t a battle. It feels safer.

BUT the Lord says the enemy is like a roaring lion, seeking all he can devour. He doesn’t tell us to ignore the enemy, but to resist him so he will flee. (I Peter 5:8) It’s time to wake up and take our place beside our brothers and sisters who are weary from the battle, standing in strengthening solidarity.

Others of us have forgotten about the war. We’ve chosen to be angry with people and have been battling them instead of recognizing the evil one’s sinister work. If this is your situation, Ephesians 6:12 is an important reminder. “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.” Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV)

Drink in its truth, then, in forgiveness and the power of the Lord, stand against the appropriate foe.

Some of you know full well you’re in a war. You’re knee deep in the muck of trenches and hear the artillery all around you. Maybe you’re even bleeding.

My friend, our Lord is your Deliver, Your Strong Tower, Your Place of Refuge. The words of Ephesians 6:10 are for you. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.” (NIV)

Mighty and Powerful God, You know the situation each of your children faces today. You know the severity of our personal battle in the war against the evil one.You know how prepared or unprepared we are to meet our foe. Come in Your might power and infinite love for us and show us what You want usto do. You are the Commander and Chief. You are also the Victorious King. Show us how to live in a world where war of the soul is waged every single day. Give strength to the weary, insight to the confused, and courage to all of us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen"