Articles
Who Fights Your Battles?
“...For the battle is not yours but God’s.” (2 Chron. 20:15)
Warfare comes in many different forms: psychological, spiritual, or physical. When conflict is inevitable, then one has to determine whether to remain and fight or flee. Culture has made some individuals accustomed not to face confrontation—this means avoiding it at all costs. Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” However, there are times when conflict is unavoidable. Jesus declared, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matt. 10:34). By nature the word of God is divisive. A question we should ask ourselves, "How are we wielding God’s sword?"
During the invasion of the Assyrians, King Hezekiah and the people of Judah are an example of psychological warfare. The king of Assyria sent a massive army to Jerusalem to sack the city. One of the Assyrian top officials, Rabshakeh, made a mockery of God before the people of Judah (cf. 2 Kgs. 18:19ff). Some of the words that Rabshakeh said were: “Who among all the gods of the lands have delivered their land from my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem from my hand?” (v. 35) Hezekiah was very distraught and felt helpless, but he did what he needed to do and that was to petition the Lord (2 Kgs. 19:1ff). God’s response was miraculous in that he decimated the Assyrian army that was besieging Jerusalem (v. 35). How appropriate are the words of Isaiah, “Behold, the LORD’s hand is not so short that it cannot save; nor is His ear so dull that it cannot hear” (Isa. 59:1).
Spiritual warfare is cunning, baffling, and powerful. The Apostle Paul wrote, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12). It is easier to fight against an enemy that can be seen, but Satan and his forces are invisible. The only manner of weaponry that we have and need is the armor of God (vv. 13ff). We must choose to put it on and use it. It doesn’t do any good when we have our Bibles collecting dust on the shelf or used as a paperweight.
Solomon understood that in life, there will be war (cf. Ecc. 3:8). Conflict is unavoidable. People are going to have disagreements, and there will be occasions when those altercations will turn violent. Whenever possible, the Christian needs to do their best to diffuse the situation and demonstrate love toward their enemy (cf. Matt. 5:38ff). This does not mean that a believer allows someone to walk all over them. Nevertheless, there always will be people that will never see eye to eye with God’s word (cf. Acts. 13:46f). We have to do our best by understanding and practicing the law of Christ.
Jesus is our example that we should always look to first whenever we face any struggle. He understands (cf. Heb. 4:15). Before Jesus' earthly ministry, He was led out into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan (cf. Matt. 4:1ff; Lk. 4:1ff). We may get caught up in thinking that Jesus was able to endure because He was God. How easy that we do not always put into perspective the human nature of Christ. During this occasion, Jesus experienced every type of onslaught from the Deceiver. Thankfully, the Lord did not succumb to the Devil’s deceptions. Furthermore, our precious Lamb of God remained silent before His accusers during His greatest trial (cf. Mk. 14:61; 1 Pet. 2:23). Let us never forget what the Lord has done for us!
We are in the fight of our lives for our eternal souls. So whenever we engage in any type of warfare, let us look to our ultimate weapon—the word of God. May we know just how blessed we are; to have such a book that provides not only truth leading to salvation, but offers life application for the many battles that we face.
