WHY DOES LIFE SEEM LIKE A NEVER ENDING BATTLE?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the
rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark
world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
(Ephesians 6:12)

MEDITATION:
Have you ever heard someone say, “Life is a struggle”? You may
have even said it yourself. There is a lot of truth to that phrase,
isn’t it? Even within our own bodies there is a war raging. The
bacteria in our bloodstream are battling against alien germs.

Our red corpuscles constantly fight the white corpuscles in an effort
to maintain life within our body. Externally, we can experience battles
of many types as others try to build themselves up or get ahead of us.
We can deal with rudeness, gossip, lies, and even physical confrontations.

But there is another battle that is raging in our lives. It is happening in
the spiritual realm and it is a serious and deadly war! The scriptures tell
us that our opponents in this battle are a formidable force. This force is
composed of rulers, authorities, and powers. But these are not ordinary
foes; we are in a battle with the powers of the dark world (Satan’s domain).

Why would believers be in a battle with the darkness of the world?
Because we are living in the light of Jesus. Darkness hates light and
strives to overcome it, but it cannot. However, the good news is, light
CAN pierce the darkness. In fact, a light shines brighter when the
darkness becomes more intense. Those who live in the darkness don’t
have to fight this battle, because the forces of evil inhabit their lives
already.

Considering the power of our spiritual world opponents, we can’t win
this battle in our own strength. However, we have been given strong
advocates (Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit) who are available to assist
us in winning victory after victory.

Multiple victories? Yes, it is not a ‘one time’ battle. It is a constant battle
raging against us daily. God knows that when we receive His salvation
we will need spiritual power to assist us in the raging battle we never
expected to have to fight.

So, what did God do? He gave us the Holy Spirit who we didn’t realize
we would need…but He did. Also, at the time we received salvation, God
began a sanctifying process in our lives. ‘Sanctify’ is not a word we often
use, but it is not complicated. It is a process where God begins purging
us of unrighteousness and filling us with the righteousness of His Son,
Jesus.

It makes sense, doesn’t it? How can we possibly fight against the spiritual
forces around us, until we defeat the unrighteous forces within us? Anyone
who has been blessed with salvation from God, knows this spiritual battle
is real, because they are faced with it daily. Why is it a daily struggle? It’s
because the forces of evil are relentless in their attempts to disrupt the
lives of those who belong to the Lord.

On the surface, it almost sounds as if we can avoid this battle if we never
receive salvation, doesn’t it. Actually, it’s probably true, however if we are
not engaged in these battles, it means we have already lost the war, and are
prisoners of the evil forces. As a result, we will be sentenced to the same
eternal punishment as the spiritual opponents of Jesus when our Savior
returns to end the battle forever.

Imagine suffering forever while witnessing the peace and joy of those
who are with the Lord; those who never have to be engaged in spiritual
warfare ever again. It may be difficult for us to grasp what it would be
like to enjoy every day without the struggles we face today in a sinful
and a broken world. But that’s what God has promised to those who
have become members of His family during their earthly journey.

ACTION:
Questions to consider:
    – Am I in a battle with the forces of darkness?
    – Have I ever thought of it as a good thing?
      How’s that? It means we are living in the light, doesn’t it?
      If we don’t sense this battle in our life, it could be because
      we have been defeated and are currently living as prisoners
      of the darkness.

We may ask ourselves,
    “If I have been captured by the spirits of the dark,
      does that mean I will never be freed from their control?”
The answer to the question is,
    “Not according to God’s Word”.
        The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as
        some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient
        with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but
        everyone to come to repentance.
        (2 Peter 3:9)

We need to remember that, even though God doesn’t want anyone to
perish, we can only change our eternal destiny while we are living in
this world, and we never know when our earthly life journey will end.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for making me aware of the forces of
darkness. Thank You for the Advocates You have provided to help me
overcome these forces of evil. The battles of life must be faced, but I
know I am not alone when I am under attack. Forgive me for the times
I have failed to depend on You. Teach me to include You in every part
of my life. I want You to be much more to me than a war Advocate, I
want to have a friendship and fellowship with You on a daily basis.”

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