Our Struggle

While it is true that every struggle is different, when discussing spiritual battles, every struggle is overcome in the same way. Chances are high that if you are reading this article, you have either just come out of a struggle, you are in one now, or you are headed for one soon.

It may be a fight for your physical life or the life of someone near to you that is testing your faith You could be in the middle of a crisis moment where you are struggling to keep it intact. You might be wrestling with concern over the faithfulness of your grown children. Or you’re working through difficulties with leaders and church members testing your resolve. And, it is possible that you are reading this and you feel like you are battling Satan for your own soul.

Our beloved brother, Paul, reminds us that “our struggle is not against [f]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.” (Ephesians 6:12) All of us know through our experiences in life that these are not struggles that can be overcome through our own strength.

To be able to win in this war requires power that no human can summon on our own. No wonderful Paul begins this inspiring admonishing by telling us, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)

If we fail to use this strength that our God makes available, we will only be frustrated and worn down, and ultimately, we will be defeated. Dear brother, if you are struggling today, please quit attempting to be victorious with your strength, power, and might! But by all means, do not quit relying on Him. He has already overcome and will help us overcome through His power, people, and Word. And as we overcome, He invites us to come to sit with Him on His Father’s throne (Revelation 3:21). Oh, what a glorious day that will be!