THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD

But we are the soldiers of Christ.

2 Tim 2:1-4
1 You then, my son (daughter), be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men (women) who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs-he wants to please his commanding officer. NIV

Paul reminds us in his letter to the Ephesians (6:11-18) to put on the full armor of God. The Lord has provided the armor we need because we daily face battle with the enemy. We must be ever vigilant as Satan lurks around every corner tempting and taunting.

We see an opportunity to share our faith with someone and clearly hear the soft sweet voice of the Holy Spirit prompting us to do so. Then in an instant, Satan fires off daggers of doubt, fear, and every kind of negative self-talk and before we know it we're on our way having once again missed a divine appointment.

We're asked to teach children about the Bible but feel ill-equipped to do so. The Holy Spirit gently urges us and by the encouragement of a pastor, friend, and mentor we find this call confirmed. But the voice of Satan hisses, "not worthy, not enough knowledge, not enough time, someone else is better suited for that role, the children won't like you or won't listen to you..." and on it goes until you say no.

Here's another type type of battle we all face. I'm preparing the evening meal with the children and cats underfoot, everyone is hungry and crying out at me. I have a headache, my feet hurt, my back aches and all I want to do is soak in a bath. I'm thinking only of myself but my pride (Satan's hisssss) says "look how much I sacrifice for them." I put the food on the table and expect thanks and praise (more pride and seeking accolades) and instead I get complaints. It's all I can do to contain my anger. Satan is hissing nasty curses in my ear and there's plenty I'd like to say to these ungrateful little brats at my table. But I keep my mouth shut and eat silently. The Holy Spirit is at work in me holding my anger at bay and telling me to let it go, to speak with love and gentility. To speak only when the words that come out will be pleasing to the Lord and edifying to the children. Sometimes the words never come and all I can do is keep the Medical Practitioner's oath - First Do No Harm.

In the battle, it's fairly easy to discern between the voice of the Holy Spirit and Satan. Satan always tells us to act irrationally, spitefully, foolishly, without forethought, and often with malice. The Holy Spirit always tells us to move in ways that please God. So if you're ever in doubt, the first question to ask yourself is, are my actions/words pleasing to God.

In making decisions about the direction to go in ministry or life, discerning my will from the will of the Holy Spirit can be a little tricky and we need to be slow, thoughtful and most of all prayerful. This is the method I use and maybe you'll find it helpful. As you try it with bigger plans in life, it may become a natural method of managing all decisions in every area of life. The key is hearing the Commanding Officer when He orders for the next move and every move shall be for the glory of God. All others are against Him or useless.

My example will be how the Lord led me to writing this blog.  I was in a very bad state of grieving the end of last year. I was also dealing with some serious health issues. The Lord had given me a deep love for photography for as long as I can remember and because of the nerve damage from botched surgeries and some other health problems, I simply can't do the work I used to do in photography. Then my ears began listening to the wrong voice, the hissing of the enemy telling me I was worthless, broken, used up, and surely forgotten by my Lord.

At a breaking point one day and in desperation I confessed my sin of self pity and said to God, "what is it you want me to do Lord?" Admitting I was done fighting this damaged body and expecting Him to fix it, with acceptance I became willing to be who I am in Him and do as He wills me to do, not what I desire to do. So my prayer became, "Let me desire what You desire Lord."

Pastor Fred had asked us the first Sunday of the year to adopt a 6 word phrase that would define our relationship with Christ for 2012. The phrase I sensed the Holy Spirit gave me is "Jesus is the Middle of me."  It has really helped center me at all times in His will as I go through my day. I pray about and wait on the Lord for the big decisions but even minute by minute I'm seeking His guidance and asking forgiveness when I slip up and lose my patience or pass judgement on someone, etc.

As I was seeking the Lord about major changes in my life, what God would have me do for His kingdom and glory, I kept hearing Him say write. But I couldn't move forward until I knew what to write. I also have a strong desire to connect with India. Suddenly the Holy Spirit moved me to write this blog for the edification of the women of East Godavari District.

As soldiers of Christ, we must first learn how to wear the armor He provides, use the weapons He provides, and most importantly, follow the orders of our Commander, the Holy Spirit.

Please place these verses in your heart to call on them whenever you feel the enemy attack you physically, emotionally or spiritually: 

Eph 6:12-18

12 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. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. NIV

By continually lifting one another up in prayer we call on the Commander for His guidance, reinforcements, and strength to forebear whatever comes. We may not see them but His angels are ever present. Watch your little ones - they are often more sensitive to the spiritual realm and may be able to see or detect the presence of angels (or demons.)

May you stand strong and hear the Holy Spirit clearly  for the battle belongs to the Lord.

In Peace,

Mama Anne