In our world today, war is a big headline in many places. But as you know, not all wars are waged against physical foes. Many struggles we face are rooted in spiritual warfare. And one can overlap with the other. Often, we have to face struggles on two fronts simultaneously. Our spiritual adversaries are just as real and powerful as physical enemies, and they often take advantage of physical stresses to also cause us emotional and spiritual battles. Here is one such example of a real, physical war Israel had to fight as well in the spiritual realm.
“Now the king of Syria was making war against Israel; and he consulted with his servants saying, ‘My camp will be in such and such a place.’ And the man of God (Elisha) sent to the king of Israel saying, ‘Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are coming down there’… Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was greatly troubled by this; and he called his servants and said to them, ‘Will you not show me which of us is for the king of Israel?’ And one of his servants said, ‘None, my Lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.’ So he said, ‘Go and see where he is, that I may send and get him.’…And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city…And his servant said to him, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’” (2 Kings 6:8-15)
God gives us wisdom and armor to wage war against the enemy of our souls. And when we fight and thwart his plans it makes the devil mad, and he ramps up his attacks and fiery trials. Our natural man wants to cry out to God, “Alas, my Master! What shall I do?” But God doesn’t leave us to fight these battles alone. Let’s read the rest of the story…
“So he answered, ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed and said, ‘Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:16-17)
God is on our side. He has given us the authority of His name and all the resources of Heaven to combat the devil’s tactics. We do not need to shrivel in fear or sit down and cry when we face various trials or attacks from the enemy, for “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
So be encouraged! God is greater than your worries! God is bigger than your problems! God is stronger than your fears! God is wiser than your foes! Open the eyes of your heart and do not be afraid! Stand firm and see what God will do for you. Jesus Himself said,
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Be strong and of good courage today! “Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.” (Psalm 108:13) Through Him your victory is about to break through. Open your spiritual eyes and watch for it!
–dmrf