Battles Sources

Battles are a way of life. And, battles for the Christian are part of following Christ. We wage war with principalities and powers because our enemy is doing everything in his power to thwart God—not that he is going to be successful, but he is giving it his all. The enemy can’t win your soul but he can cause you to become discouraged with his schemes.

It’s good to understand that battles can come from different sources, so let’s take a look at some examples from Scripture.

Different Kinds of Battles

Battles can be…

From Fatigue 

            Exodus 17:7-16 - the enemy attacks when we’re weak and vulnerable.

            Elijah – runs from Jezebel in 1 Kings 19 - The enemy attacks after a great victory.

From Sin

            David - 2 Samuel 11&12, Psalm 51 - David silently battled after sinning with Bathsheba.

            Prodigal – Luke 15:11-32 - The Prodigal struggled until he “came to his senses.”

            Saul – Acts 8:1 – 9:22 

For a Larger Purpose

            Jesus – He suffered so that He could save people from sin

            Mary – Luke 2 - She bore the shame of her circumstances to raise the Messiah

            Esther – She was taken captive so she could save her people

            Joseph – Genesis 37:18-28, Genesis 45:4-8

For Our Character

            Israelites wander in the wilderness – Numbers 14:22-23

            Jacob – working for his uncle, Laban - Genesis 27-29

            Joseph – in prison, Genesis 37:2-11

From Doing God’s work/Doing the Right Thing

            Paul –Acts 23:11

            Daniel – Praying 3x day/lion’s den – Daniel 6

            Meschach, Shadrach, Abednego – Refuse to bow – Daniel 1-3

            Job – Job 1, 8

            Stephen - Acts 6:1-6, 8-15, 7: 1-60

Expected – 2 Chronicles 20:12-22

Unexpected – Exodus 17 

While investigating these Scriptures, identify some of your past or present battles. What is their source? In hindsight, can you see a purpose for them?

Stand Firm! Trust in your Victor, Jesus

Jeanne

* This is an excerpt from the Bible Study called, Battle Worn, Battle Weary: Finding Victory in Surrender

He Is Risen

On this Easter, the culmination of Holy Week, I'd like to share something I wrote a number of years ago...
Because, He is Risen, just as His Word says!!

I pray that you will consider His sacrifice, and know that He did it for you!!

Jeanne

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The scattered disciples and followers of Jesus huddled behind locked doors awaiting the sound of hobnailed boots and burning torches. Their leader was gone. Stripped of his power and dignity, he suffered a criminal’s death. They had anticipated deliverance through him. Now what? Jesus was dead, and so was their hope.

In the early morning a wild knock sounded on the door. Had they been found? Would they be the next to die? Instead of soldiers at the door they found Mary, flushed and breathless as she blurted out, He is alive. I have seen the Lord!

No doubt they thought she was crazy.

Within a short time the news was out. The tomb was found empty. The grave clothes neatly folded and the angel’s pronouncement, He is risen, just as He said. Then the disciples remembered Jesus’ words, destroy this temple and I will raise it up in three days. He wasn’t talking about the temple building. He spoke of Himself, of His body.

In the darkness of the tomb where the eye could not see, God was working. While the enemy exulted over the apparent defeat of God and His Son, God brought forth His purposes anyway. There Christ died for every person, for every sin. In three days, He rose from the dead, gaining victory over Satan once and for all. There would be no more death, spiritual death that is. We now have the choice of accepting His pardon and gift of eternal life. He died for all, but each one of us must choose spiritual life in Christ or to live in our flesh alone.

God’s love is far reaching, as far reaching as Christ’s arms spread out on the cross for you and for me. He gave the gift of His Son so that we may have eternal life with Him, if we only believe. It is by His grace we are saved, a grace big enough to cover every sin.

In the heart of the tomb, God waged war with death and sin so that He could reign in our hearts forever. It is in Christ that we now have access to God. The broken relationship resulting from Adam and Eve’s choice in the Garden of Eden is now restored.

He is risen. He is high and lifted up and will draw all those who believe to Himself. He has given himself for you and for me. He shed his blood as the final atonement for sin, for every person. He says, Come. I am the way, the truth, and the life. Believe in me and receive eternal life. Trust in me and I will give you life overflowing.