Are You at War?

And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 

Matthew 24:6

Today’s news channels are in a steep competition to broadcast from around the world, the latest events and war news. The avalanche of news and information has overflooded us in such a manner, that it is difficult sometimes to stop and reflect to understand upon the world. We are indeed, the generation who knows more of what happens abroad than perhaps what is the neighbourhood situation. I must say, I know very little of my neighbours’ struggles, compared to the struggles of countries involved in combat. What should be more alerting, is how much we want to know, honestly, of our fellow brothers and sisters’ trials and struggles. The church family is the bosom where all of the brothers and sisters, no matter the age should find the comfort and trust to expose their struggles. In a way which builds up the individual to a closer and more intimate relationship with God. At the same time, it edifies the fellowship. We are in serious need of such individuals who are not only, extracting from the fellowship. But they are exchanging within the fellowship. Ultimately, we have all been brought into the church family, because God is our Father, redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 

John 1:12,13

The Bible exposes the topic of war and battles. In the Old Testament, we see the Israelites fighting against many idolatrous nations. We see them failing in commissioning God’s judgement over these people and see them succeeding at times. The Israelites had a purpose in fighting those wars, and they were not to do it in a personal way, but subdued to God’s authority and will. Then in the New Testament, we see the topic of war brought back. The contrast is that followers of Christ are to fight as well. However, the difference is that, this time the war is a non-physical one. I find that very interesting and fascinating. We have Paul encouraging the Ephesians because we wrestle not against flesh and blood, we ought to take the whole armour of God. (Eph. 6:12,13) Also, if we look further back when Jesus was fasting, He had to battle against someone and something. The someone was the Devil, who cunningly tempted Christ. And the something is what Satan used to tempt Christ, such as food, power and riches. However, the thoughts I would like to share with you, in the early hours of the day are very similar, but different in approach. 

The Question Mark

Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? James 4:4 

The apostle James was writing to the Jews living outside of Judea and he had a few exhortations to give them. In chapter 4 it is noticeable that James describes a war. But this time is a different one. A war against God, as many of the Jews it seemed had conduct issues and thought they could get away, by resisting God’s grace. However, James is instructing them by reminding them in a very interesting way. In his speech, James asks this question Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? James 4:4 Indeed it is, as the Israelites in the past times, have failed to obey God, God turned the fight they had to carry to other nations, against them. Reflecting on this question and bringing into the picture what Paul was strongly encouraging the Ephesians, are we conscious of the war we have listed in? 

James makes the point, that someone who loves the world is an enemy of God. However, if we love God, we are someone else’s enemy. Therefore, we ought to take it very seriously and with caution to meditate and embed this in our life this reality. There is one thing we cannot run away from, the fact that we are on active duty in warfare. Take a moment and think of this: when we understood the Gospel message and it embraced us, in peace, assurance, forgiveness and eternal security, it was one of the greatest days and most memorable. Nonetheless, if we have become God’s friend on that day, we have declared war on Satan and his principalities and against the flesh. Not sure how aware are you, my dear reader, but I can say that it has taken me some time to let this thought sink in. Now you might say that on the day you have trusted Christ, you have not declared war on anyone, especially Satan. However, let’s reason with the Scripture. If friendship with the world is enmity with God, what would be then friendship with God? Wouldn’t that be enmity with the world?

I am at war!

The more I reflected on this and went through the Bible to search for a way out, the more I became aware and the advice was to be always ready. But, at the same time, if we have declared war on Satan, do you think he takes it seriously? I would be bold enough that he take it as a personal offence and treat it with the utmost seriousness. There is now a declaration of war in which Satan will run away, but he will be the first one to attack before we get our armour on.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

1 Peter 5:8 

Our enemy is a real enemy. Same as we know and can see the struggles the flesh gives us in our walk with God, that is how real is the enemy. I must say that I have never, ever, thought to declare war on Satan and the flesh. When the Gospel was presented to me, my goal was to make peace with God. And that is what happened. Peace came upon me; joy and praises were given to God daily. But later on, I realised there was a warfare against sin it felt more than a struggle. I learned of weaknesses I did not know I had, of things which were affecting me personally and putting me down. I felt on many occasions defeated and that was the case, I ran back to the loving arms of my Father. Nevertheless, after He was dressing my wounds and I had recovered, the battle seemed to be stronger and stronger. That was when I understood that, there was an enemy out there, and it was not the sin. Because the attacks were against things only someone would know. Since God was healing me, that meant God’s enemy was my enemy as well.  

We ought to take very seriously the warfare we have been enlisted. Now you might say, why does God allow me to be defeated? And it is a fair question. But defeated does not mean, devoured. Because, when I look at the cross, beside God’s love I see a war which was lost. There we have, God incarnate shedding His blood for the entire world, His healing being bruised. Nonetheless, it was a sad day. But the one who lost the war was Satan and sin. So, you see, in the message of the Gospel there is destruction and victory at the same time. Christ fought the battle I could not stand against, therefore, me being defeated today, does not mean I lost the war because I am already on the winning side. I hope at this point, you realise how dependent we are on Christ and the Gospel.

The Whole

I am not to be destroyed, because God preserves me. Because he won on the cross the war, I can now stand on my feet, when I lost a battle. But you see, we have all been defeated many times in our walk with God. And I was wondering why, and the answer is right in the Gospel. Who have we trusted in for the Salvation from the eternal damnation? Notice that it is not at all times Him in whom we trust to fight the battles in our lives. Take the whole armour of God, says the Bible, and yet there we have so many Christians today defeated. Because, we think it is of no use to have my shoes on today, or to carry the breastplate or to put on the helmet. God gives us the liberty to choose, but not to be pickers.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

Ephesians 6:13

It is not a matter if the evil day will come, but how do we finish? On our feet or on our knees? We ought to let ourselves to whole unto God. Attacks have come and will come. We have been defeated, but we might want to say No more! The Bible does not promise I may not be bruised, but it does promise I will stand.  

If I may encourage you today to reflect on the above and for the future to take this challenge for you. I want to be on my knees before God and on my feet at the end of my battles. There is no special recipe for winning, but to be on our knees, fully submitted to God. Because He can make us whole. 

Take the whole armour of God and sit on your knees before God!