In This Issue:
A Battle Rages
Volume: 837 December 6, 2021
Theme: Fighting Battles
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A Battle Rages
Bill Brinkworth
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places….” Ephesians 6:11-13
“Christian, be careful. Get out of harm’s way. Don’t you see or hear what the enemy is doing out there? A battle surrounds us. Stay with me in this safer place. Believers need to stick together in times of trouble.
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Heb. 10:25
“You can’t see it? Why open your eyes, man! Can’t you hear it? Why we’re facing a frontal attack. The enemy is aiming right at you. They’re trying to get us to doubt our faith. They’re throwing everything they have at us.
“Why, can’t you hear the fellow over there trying to get you to quit because you don’t have a chance and that you are outnumbered? That guy way over there is even questioning if you are a Christian. He must know you because he is shouting that he has watched you and believes you are acting more like his side than a Christian.
“You are a child of God, aren’t you? You have been saved? You do know that just going to church doesn’t make you a Christian?
“Well, I thought so, but I was just checking and making sure you knew that for sure. When those on the other side lob insults and hurl more doubts, you will need to be certain you’re a child of God and on the winning side.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” I Cor. 15:58
“For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;” Heb. 3:14
“Oh no. Turn around. Some of who we thought were on our side are attacking us from the rear. Why, they even claim to be born-again. That fellow charging behind us attended my church. Now he’s ganging up on us, too!
“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” Eph. 6:6
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.” II Cor. 11:13
“They’re showing us their true colors. They never were one of us. That must be why they only acted ‘Christian’ on Sunday, but acted like the world the rest of the week. Why they’re shouting the same things we’re hearing from the frontal assault. Ignore, them brother. If they learn anything from us, it should be that a Christian is “Christian’ all the time and that we will not back down from our convictions.
“Look out! I can’t believe it. Now we’re being flanked on the right. Get really low because they’re launching temptations, and they’re coming our way. Don’t look because the flash of some of what they want us to see will be etched in our minds, and those thoughts are hard to forget. That missile that landed behind us was loaded with filth; it’s a good thing we were looking in a different direction.
“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.” Psalm 101:3
“We’re being attacked from the front, rear, and even our flanks that we never expected to be breached. But don’t get discouraged, warrior. We are on the winning side. We have weapons far superior to theirs. For every projectile hurled at us, counter it with the promises from our great Commander. His Words are the only truths. When the enemy hears His Words, they sometimes get mad and confused. Often, they never heard such truths that go against all they have ever been told.
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Heb. 4:12
“Several times, I have replied to their sneers and accusations with His great words, and the advancing army stopped dead in their tracks. Some became confused and did not know what to do next. Some shook their heads and retreated. His Word is a powerful weapon.
“Do you have a copy? You do, but you don’t know where it is? Here, use mine. It is well worn, but it has all the answers for every attack you will ever face.
“No, you can’t keep it, but you can use it while we are under attack. It is my old friend, and I cherish and rely on it. Many of its principles are stored in my heart. When I face predicaments like this, they automatically come to mind in my time of need. They always guide me through these battles.
“Our Commander is also the greatest warrior that ever lived. He promised that even when all looks bleak that we would be victorious. Onward we must attack with the weapons He has issued us. When He gives the Word, we will move. For now, we must resist the attacks and fight them with His Truths. Be steadfast, unmovable. We will persevere!
“Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.” Deut. 5:32
“Oh my. The enemy is not giving up. Now’s he’s air-dropping more discouragements. Their bombardment by radio waves and television programs won’t sway me. I will not look or hear the wicked things they put before my ears and eyes, nor should you. Keep your eyes on the attack and don’t let yourself be distracted.
“Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside there from to the right hand or to the left;” Joshua 23:6
“… 21 And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.” I Sam. 12:20-21
“Hang in there, Christian. It looks like we’re surrounded, but still, our commanding officer has a plan. He is not idle. Wait patiently until He gives the Word! You may not see Him, but our great Leader has also sent a great Comforter, and as we speak, He is doing something to help and protect us. He may even be working in the minds of our enemies to turn them to His side. The Comforter has done that many, many times.
“For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal. 6:8
“Although you think it is just you and me in this trench, we are not alone. We can talk to our great Leader, and He will hear our pleas wherever we are.
“No, we don’t have a radio for communications. We don’t need one. We can talk to Him right now. Here, join me as we bow our heads in respect and call upon his help. I told you our Commander was the greatest.”
Both soldiers bowed their heads and pleaded for their leader’s mercy and help in their time of need. They shared their greatest fears and feelings with their unseen Protector.
After their time of fellowship with their unseen Leader, the two warriors continued to engage the enemy. Soon, something unbelievable happened.
The attacks of the enemy halted as quickly as they started. A great silence cloaked the area where previously confusion, temptations, and mayhem rained upon the faithful men. The two battle-worn infantrymen poked up their heads from their places of safety to see why there was suddenly silence.
To their amazement, they saw the enemy fleeing, but it was unclear why their adversaries retreated. It did not appear anyone was pursuing them. Perhaps the enemies pulled back to attack other Christians, hoping they are weaker than those they had just faced. Perhaps they were frightened or confused. The two may never know why the calm, but they were sure the conflict had ended.
However, one can be assured that the battle may have been won, but the war continues. Somewhere and somehow, the enemy is attacking other soldiers of the Great Commander.
Often there are casualties. At other times, there are not. But still, the war rages. The next battle may be close to or involve you. Are you armed and ready for action?
The war will continue until one day our Great Leader no longer tests and seasons His followers and ends the battle forever! There will one day be an end to this great battle between the forces of good and evil. Until then, which side will you be on, or will you retreat?
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” I Peter 5:8
“Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.” Eph. 3:13
“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” II Cor. 4:16
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”
I Timothy 6:12