Oct. 3, 2005

Battles abound, don't they? Whether on the battlefields of Iraq, or the football fields of America, or in the courts, or in the home, one thing is certain, battles abound. Being a follower of Christ does not exempt us from the battles of life. Life isn't a bed of roses once being saved. Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world".

I was reading Deuteronomy last night, in chapter seven. I read where God spoke to them about entering into the land of Canaan. He told them that there were seven nations greater and mightier than they were. But, with God on there side, there would be victory. But, He warned them not to make a covenant with the people they would defeat, nor show them mercy. It would lead to not only a toleration of their wicked lifestyle, but a partaking of it, even giving their children to each other in marriage.

We must remember that our battles, whether it be with the forces of darkness, or with our carnality, or even with our fears, are too mighty for us on our own. To try to take on Satan alone, apart from God's power would be foolish, as well as taking on our fleshly nature apart from the cross. But praise God, we aren't fighting this battle alone, for God is with us! And, as Romans 8:31 says, if God is for us, who can be against us? "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength". That was Paul's testimony, and it's ours, too.

One last word, when you fight, don't make a covenant with enemy. Don't make peace with what has held you back on the journey to fulfilling God's plan for your life. Don't decide that you'll never really have victory over that thing. Don't decide that it's really not as bad as it seemed. That which keeps you away from all that Christ has for you must be defeated, and regarded as dead. Engage your enemy, and show no mercy!