1 Samuel 17:47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”
As our world swirls around us in a sea of turmoil, it’s difficult not to get depressed or troubled over it. Even knowing that God is in control isn’t always enough for those of us who have seen the destruction of mankind and his wars. Our memories serve a purpose. They allow us to ponder over the entire situation before action is taken. In the heat of attack upon our own nation, however, we tend to think differently about responding without action. On December 7, 1941 suicide bombers attacked an American naval port in Hawaii, causing the US to enter into WWII. On September 11, 2001, we were stunned to see planes crashing into buildings and fields within our borders and thousands of lives lost. When we’re under attack by an enemy and see the resulting carnage right under our noses, we react immediately. Our reactions are based on revenge, but also in defense of our country.
War is never a final solution to any problem. Usually it leads to more of them and eventually to a lot of rebuilding, restoration, endless meetings by governments trying to come to a settlement, and trillions of dollars spent over time. There is always going to be collateral damage.
We are fighting a much greater battle than with any Taliban or ISIS soldier. Our war is a constant, daily combat with the devil. He has been let loose to do his dastardly work among us. How do we respond? Do we take up arms against him and his minions? Do we fight with every ounce of strength in our body? Do we give our lives to save others from his control? The devil is an unseen enemy, but one we will have to confront in our lives. Yes, and even those who feel they are “right” with the Lord are going to meet this enemy with strength beyond our own ability.
The battle has already been waged, fought and won by Jesus, Christ, the Savior of the World. When He laid down His life for us, He was carrying the weight of every sin ever committed. He suffered the bite of the scourge, the spit of an angry crowd, the humiliation and scorn of a common criminal. Yet He had never committed a sin. As His body rested in the tomb on the day after His horrible crucifixion, He was putting the devil in chains – leashing him, but still allowing him life until the day of final judgment. Jesus’ victory over death is our guarantee of a release from the grave and life everlasting. The battle is won and it belongs to the Lord.
We can fight our earthly battles with fervor, resolve, patriotism, whatever, but we can never win our own salvation. Jesus is our champion, our soldier, our victor over death. With that in mind we can face any enemy or situation that Satan throws our way.
atimetoshare.me 
Dear Kathy, what a beautiful and victorious post! Jesus Christ has won our battle. I can continue only to battle my own mind and worries, and the attacks of Satan and his “minions” (perfect description) with repeating the words of truth. Due to my love for history and documentaries, I’ve been watching a 6 part series of 9/11 on National Geographic. I’ll never forget that day. Just as those before me will not forget the horrific attacks and the devastations of war. I was a young principal in charge of 550 kids and 60 staff members. Parents were coming in droves to pick up their kids. The husband of one of my teachers worked at the Pentagon (they had just bought a lake house that summer and he had to stay and work at that time). I was trying to console two teachers who had pilot husbands. I could feel the FEAR running through us all. Many months later I experienced a personal crisis. I remember the vulnerability. AND TODAY….I feel the fear, I sense the vulnerability, I feel the revenge (and sadly on one another, not a common enemy unless we’re followers of Christ speaking of our War with Satan). And I have hope. No matter what happens to me today, or tomorrow, or the next day, I’m going to tell people about Jesus and live by his teachings. I have to unlock the prison of my mind with the key of love that only exists in HIM. I’m going to purge myself of my own selfishness and try, as little as my efforts may be, to show others the truth in love. I’m ready for his return. I know you are. Narrow is the way and I pray those I love find it. Much love and prayers to you my sweet friend.
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9/11 is a bitter pill to swallow even though it’s 20 years ago, I remember it vividly. The sky was exceptionally clear in New York as it was in Minneapolis. It was like a disaster movie unfolding on our tv screens. It was so unbelievable and yet so raw and real. My heart broke for all the families who lost loved ones and the desperation of those who plummeted from Windows to their demise. I felt so helpless and all I could think to do was purchase an American flag and display it on our porch, but everyone else had the same thought. A church service was held that night and we joined in patriotic songs and prayers for our nation. The battle was long and still not won. It’s hard not to believe this is just the start of more and more terrorism in our homeland. We must continue to pray for our country, our leaders and the men and women who put themselves in harms way to protect us. Lord, hear our prayer.
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In the world but not of the world!!
So so hard to continue claiming-and I imagine that is indeed Satan’s plan…
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I’m sure it is, but he hasn’t got a chance I’m hell👺
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I LOVE this! The battle is going to get more intense and yet our Refuge, Rock and Strength will ALWAYS be Jesus Christ and His Spirit if we remember to walk in Him! Great article! Praise the Lord! 👍💗✝📖😇
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Thank you, Roland. I appreciate your encouragement. God is our refuge and strength and even though we think we’re in charge, He is.
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Powerful! My mere words need to be few in response to this reverent post. Amen.
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Thank you!
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