Welcome back to the Health for the Spirit, Soul, and Body blog! Today, we embark on a new exploration, one that is as timely as it is timeless — understanding how to stand firm and fight the right battle as a Christian.
Do you ever feel like you’re under attack?
Like you’re being persecuted by people close to you, or even by people you’ve never met? If so, you’re not alone. This often happens when you identify yourself as a Christian. But remember, as a believer, you’re called to fight the right battle.
Understanding Persecution
Matthew 5:11-12 says, “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” When persecution comes, it’s easy to feel victimized and misunderstood. It’s natural to want to defend yourself, to fight back against those who are causing you pain. But as Christians, we’re called to a different kind of response. Instead of complaining about our persecution or feeling sorry for ourselves, we’re called to rejoice. This might seem counterintuitive, but there’s a reason for it. Persecution doesn’t come because the devil enjoys picking on us. It comes because we’ve become a threat to him. It comes because we’ve put the Word in our heart, and he knows that if he doesn’t get it out, we’re going to cause him more trouble than he can handle. So, when the devil challenges you, face that challenge with joy, knowing you’re going to come out a winner. Your God is sufficient to see you through.
The Right Battle
2 Corinthians 10:3 says, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh.” And Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us to put on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Do you know why so many of us as believers are losing the battles in our lives? It’s because we’re fighting the wrong enemy!
Identifying the Real Enemy
People are flesh and blood, and they’re not the source of our problem. Sometimes, because of how hurt we feel, we complain about how we were hurt but it doesn’t matter what they’ve done. What matters is that if we focus on fighting them, the real enemy goes free. Ephesians 6:12 tells us who the real enemy is, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Satan and his demons are our lifelong enemies! They’re behind every personal affront we encounter. The people who hurt us and persecute us are only Satan’s tools. When he wants to strike out at you, he uses them to get the job done.
Biblical Lessons: David and Jehoshaphat
David: A Shepherd Against a Giant The story of David and Goliath is one of the most well-known tales in the Bible. David, a young shepherd boy, was chosen to face Goliath, a giant Philistine warrior who had been terrorizing the Israelites. Despite his youth and small stature, David accepted the challenge with faith and courage. David didn’t wear any armor or carry traditional weapons. Instead, he picked up five smooth stones from a stream and, with his sling, faced the giant. When Goliath saw him, he laughed and scorned David. But David replied, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty” (1 Samuel 17:45). David slung a stone, striking Goliath in the forehead. The giant fell, and David was victorious. This victory wasn’t achieved through physical strength but through faith in God. David’s battle was not against Goliath but against the spiritual forces working through Goliath.
Jehoshaphat: Victory Through Praise In the story of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah faced a vast army. Instead of relying on his military strength, Jehoshaphat turned to God in prayer and fasting. God reassured him, saying, “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you” (2 Chronicles 20:17). Jehoshaphat and his people responded with praise. They went out to face the enemy, led by singers declaring the goodness of God. As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the enemy, causing them to turn on each other. By the time Jehoshaphat and his army arrived, all they saw were dead bodies. The battle was won without them having to fight. Like David, Jehoshaphat’s battle was not against flesh and blood. His victory came from trusting in God and standing firm in faith.
Conclusion
Remember, Persecution is not the manifestation of another person’s hate for you. It is a manifestation of Satan’s fear of you. Next time someone hurts you, don’t let yourself get sidetracked into fighting them. Bind the spirit behind them. Fight the right battle.
These stories remind us that our battles are not against people but against the spiritual forces of evil. They also show us that victory comes from trusting in God and standing firm in our faith.
A Call to Action
As Christians, we’re called to fight the right battle. We’re called to stand firm in our faith, to put on the full armor of God, and to resist the devil. We’re called to bind the spirits behind those who persecute us, and to pray for those who mistreat us.
So, Let’s stand firm in our faith. Let’s fight the right battle. And let’s remember that our God is greater than any enemy we face. He’s already won the victory, and with Him on our side, we can’t lose.
Remember, the battle is not ours, but God’s. So, let’s fight the right battle, knowing that our God is with us every step of the way. And let’s encourage one another, building each other up in love and unity, as we fight the good fight of faith together.
Share Your Story
Your voice is important in this community of faith. If you’ve faced a battle and found strength in the Lord, if you’ve learned to discern the true nature of your struggles, or if you’ve discovered the joy in persecution for His sake, please share your story. Your testimony could be the beacon of hope that someone needs today. So, comment below and let's grow together in grace and knowledge.
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