Our Battles
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)
Daily I sit at my computer and either read emails or respond to messages. This is also my quiet spot where I study Sunday school lessons or read scripture. It is my place of private thoughts and prayers away from the TV and other distractions. I keep my Bible and other studies around me and I also make it a practice of reading “Our Daily Bread”. I love this little book that I pick up at my church.
Today I read the story of the prophetess Deborah, and how God used her in leading Israel (Judges 4:4). He prompted her to have General Barak mount the attack against the Canaanites. Rereading this story started me thinking about the daily attacks I receive and how I get upset, complain, and even try to ignore what’s happening.
We have days when our self-doubt, health, and poor decisions become personal wars. That really is a long list. I try to fix those attacks and sometimes it works and other times it seems to get worse instead of better. Why? I believe, most of the time, that it is my personal attitude and pity. I draw on my own strength to try to resolve the issues instead of prayer and listening to God through the Holy Spirit that resides in me.
When I ignore the Commander in my life, the battle is either temporarily won or the battle gets worse. I know the enemy attacks from all sides; he’s sneaky and cunning. This is when I need to admit I cannot do this battle on my own.
We need to heed the word of God, to give our struggles to Him…all of them. We must take the self-pride and our own weakness and turn them over to Him. When we reach out and listen to those who are strong in God’s words, we will find we can win one battle at a time. Perhaps not the entire war but if we stay strong in His word, in the end, we already know the Victor.
Heavenly Father, we need to put our battles into Your hands. You will always give us the faith, courage and strength needed. Through Your Son, we have a Savior who loves us and will give us the peace to see it through. AMEN.