WHY DOES LIFE SEEM LIKE A NEVER ENDING BATTLE?

SCRIPTURE:
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 that life is a struggle?
There is a lot of truth to that, 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 real war!
The scriptures tell us that our opponents in this battle are a formidable force.
This force is composed of rulers, authorities, and powers.
These are not ordinary powers though, these are powers of the dark world.

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 do not have to fight this battle, 
because the forces of evil inhabit their lives already.

Considering the power of our opponents, 
we cannot win this battle in our own strength.
However, we have an advocate in Jesus Christ 
who is 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. 

ACTION:
Are you in a battle with the forces of darkness?
Have you ever thought of it as a good thing?
It means you are living in the light, doesn’t it?
If you do not sense this battle in your life, it could be because 
you have been defeated and are currently living in the darkness.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for making me aware of the forces of 
darkness. Thank You for being my Advocate so that I will not succumb 
to these evil forces. The battles of life must be faced, but I know they 
will not be faced without You by my side. Forgive me for the times that 
I fail to depend on You. Teach me how to include You in every part of 
my life. I want You to be much more than an Advocate, I want You to 
be my best friend on a daily basis."