The Great Battle

From The Triumph by James Goll on YouVersion

You were born into a war—no matter where or when you were born—and you were meant to claim victory in that war. This doesn’t sound like great news at first, but as you learn about this war, the news gets better. You have the privilege of choosing which side to fight for; and when you choose to follow Jesus, you make the decision to be on the winning side!

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV

How can I be so sure of that outcome? Because of Jesus’ marvelous victory at Calvary. When our lovely Messiah hung on the cross, cursed for the sins of world, He uttered the words, “It is finished!” (John 19:30) The work of Christ on the cross was perfectly complete. Just as the kingdom of God exists, there is also the kingdom of Satan. These two kingdoms are in direct conflict with one another. Satan, the devil, is clearly described as the enemy of God throughout the entire Bible. Pride was found in the heart of this created one as he compared himself with God and aspired to be equal with, or even transcend above, the Creator Himself. The name Satan literally means “the adversary,” the one who opposes. The Bible also calls him tempter (Matthew 4:3, 1 Thessalonians 3:5), accuser (Revelation 12:10) and deceiver (Revelation 20:3). These names are synonymous with evil and are the very essence of what Satan’s kingdom stands for. He is the mortal enemy of God’s children. But Christ Jesus has authority over the enemy. God sends us forth as empowered believers, along with His Holy Spirit, to go into the darkness and shine the light of the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12 ESV

Remember, light always overcomes darkness! We can take comfort from 1 John 4:4 (NKJV): “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” Spiritual enemies require spiritual weapons and divine power. God gives us weapons to fight our battles. Even though “we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.” 2 Corinthians 10:3–5.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. - Ephesians 6:12 ESV Father God, in the mighty name of Jesus, I come before You, knowing You have empowered me for victory. I was born to participate in spiritual warfare, which is required to advance Your will and Kingdom on earth. The devil is a liar and a thief, and all he has ever done is steal, kill, and destroy. But You, Jesus, reveal yourself in your Word as the King and the Captain of the Lord’s army, ruling over principalities and powers of darkness. You, Lord, are my Commander, and I will follow Your lead and obey Your commandments. You are victorious, and I am grateful to be on the winning side with You. Amen and amen.