"You therefore, endure hardship as
a good soldier of Jesus Christ."
2 Timothy 2:3
I cannot begin to count all the times I have used this verse from the Bible in my letters, journal entries, and in conversations with fellow Christians...
a good soldier of Jesus Christ."
2 Timothy 2:3
I cannot begin to count all the times I have used this verse from the Bible in my letters, journal entries, and in conversations with fellow Christians...
But this should not be a surprise. The reason is because there is a real devil out there in the world, and he has an extensive army of demon soldiers who are busy doing his bidding.
And a big part of his work is to come against Christ's followers, which of course includes me. And I suppose I should feel honored that he considers me to be a threat to his kingdom. For I have heard it said from many a minister, that if the devil is NOT bothering you, then you must be doing something wrong. But if he's coming against you, it's because you're doing something right, which is a good sign. And that's fine with me!
While a recent letter from a friend in upstate New York confirmed this to be true. He wrote how he's been having one of his most difficult and challenging years ever. He believes that Satan is "going all out" to destroy him. And when I read this, I almost jumped off my bunk. Why? Because unbeknownst to him, I've been going through the exact same thing!
Satan and the forces of darkness seem to be coming against me from every direction. The level of spiritual warfare I've been facing of late seems to be noticeably intensifying. And I'm becoming battle weary as a result, which is to be expected.
I know from past experience that when feelings of physical and mental weariness show up, it becomes necessary to make sure I set aside more time to spend with the Lord in prayer, and in meditating upon the Scriptures.
When the level of spiritual warfare intensifies, I have to draw closer to Jesus. He is the source of my strength, and He fights my battles. As a follower of the Lord, there will always be varying degrees of spiritual warfare. It's unavoidable. But as the Word of God assures me, I'm on the winning side. No weapon the enemy forms against me shall succeed, and that's a promise from heaven (Isaiah 54:17).
Because Jesus lives inside my heart, I am and always will be "More than a conqueror." God's word declares it to be so. And what He has done for me, He will do for all His disciples (Romans 8:37).
D.B.
And a big part of his work is to come against Christ's followers, which of course includes me. And I suppose I should feel honored that he considers me to be a threat to his kingdom. For I have heard it said from many a minister, that if the devil is NOT bothering you, then you must be doing something wrong. But if he's coming against you, it's because you're doing something right, which is a good sign. And that's fine with me!
While a recent letter from a friend in upstate New York confirmed this to be true. He wrote how he's been having one of his most difficult and challenging years ever. He believes that Satan is "going all out" to destroy him. And when I read this, I almost jumped off my bunk. Why? Because unbeknownst to him, I've been going through the exact same thing!
Satan and the forces of darkness seem to be coming against me from every direction. The level of spiritual warfare I've been facing of late seems to be noticeably intensifying. And I'm becoming battle weary as a result, which is to be expected.
I know from past experience that when feelings of physical and mental weariness show up, it becomes necessary to make sure I set aside more time to spend with the Lord in prayer, and in meditating upon the Scriptures.
When the level of spiritual warfare intensifies, I have to draw closer to Jesus. He is the source of my strength, and He fights my battles. As a follower of the Lord, there will always be varying degrees of spiritual warfare. It's unavoidable. But as the Word of God assures me, I'm on the winning side. No weapon the enemy forms against me shall succeed, and that's a promise from heaven (Isaiah 54:17).
Because Jesus lives inside my heart, I am and always will be "More than a conqueror." God's word declares it to be so. And what He has done for me, He will do for all His disciples (Romans 8:37).
D.B.