The Right Fight
May 24, 2017·Elizabeth Ewens
I have read, heard and even taught about the Children of Israel many times over the past 50 years. I was usually amazed at how quickly they would forget what God told them to do. Then I became amazed at how quickly I can forget God’s words. That’s why reading God’s Word on a regular basis is so vital to my spiritual growth and well-being. This week, in our Pause Journal, we encounter the following passage:
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
How many times have I started arguing with someone, or opened my mouth to defend myself, or drew a line with someone, forgetting that we do not wrestle with flesh and blood? Yet, there I was – wrestling with flesh and blood. Trust me when I say, those moments never end well. How could I forget the basic rule for our spiritual battles!
Oh, yeah – I’m supposed to fight those battles in the Spirit, not the flesh. Pray, Elizabeth, pray! Pray for that angry, rude driver to have God’s peace and to know Him. I have no idea what that person is going through, but I can pray for them. I ask for God’s peace to settle on that driver and whatever else I feel led to pray in that moment. What if, in response to God’s intervention in that driver’s life, an accident is avoided down the road? I don’t know what is accomplished in the spirit, but I know God is working. (And it’s amazing how quickly my anger turns to compassion when I pray.)
What battle are you engaged in and you need to be reminded to battle in the Spirit? Rebellious child? Tough marriage? Angry family member? Unfair treatment at work? No job? Unforgiveness?
Be encouraged today. With your Bible in hand, pray the scriptures. Quote the promises of God. Fight your battles on your knees in prayer. That’s where the victories are won. Pray, Saint!
