I've been reading this book about how to survive and thrive while ministering cross-culturally. If you don't know this, I'm not the type to pick up any book and read it "just for fun". I am NOT a "reader". However, I picked this one up and I don't regret it. Chapter 8 talks about the "fights" on the field.
God gave me this neat little picture as Shawn was leaving for his Karate class and after reading the book. God is preparing us to fight many battles. Extreme fights on the field. No, not physical battles, but very real battles. Spiritual battles!Even though Shawn has never had to use his Karate and he would never want to, we both need be prepared to fight!
Duet. 20:1-4 When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses, and chariots, and a people more than you, be not afraid of them: for the LORD your God is with you, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt.
When you go out and see horses, and chariots, and a people more than you, be not afraid of them: - Here is some great encouragement for God’s people. They were going to be outnumbered. The enemy may have more power and more weapons than they had but they are told do not fear.
The same is true for the people of God today. We too are outnumbered. The enemy has more power and influence than we do in this world. I don't want to fool myself, the Devil has much more power than I do. If I try to fight him through my own power, I will surely fail. There is hope and it is found in this next verse.
...be not afraid of them: for the LORD your God is with you - That is good news because God has more power!
The same is true for the people of God today. We too are outnumbered. The enemy has more power and influence than we do in this world. I don't want to fool myself, the Devil has much more power than I do. If I try to fight him through my own power, I will surely fail. There is hope and it is found in this next verse.
...be not afraid of them: for the LORD your God is with you - That is good news because God has more power!
We have been to many bible studies, sermons, Sunday schools, and individuals reminding us to "put on the FULL armor of God!!!" OK God, I think we might be getting it. Ministry, being on God's team, is not something to take lightly. This is a serious battle.
A battle for joy and happiness. Against depression!
A battle for love. Against hate!
A battle for peace. Against discouragement!
A battle for truth. Against lies!
A battle to fear God more. And to fear man less!
A battle for souls found. Against souls lost!
With Jesus the battle is won!
Do not forget to meet all your difficulties with love and laughter. Be assured that I am with you. Remember, remember it is the last few yards that tell. Do not fail Me. I cannot fail you. Rest in My love.
How many of the world's prayers have gone unanswered because My children who prayed did not endure to the end. They thought it was too late, and that they must act for themselves, that I was not going to act for them. Remember My words: "He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved."
Can you endure to the end? If so, you shall be saved. But endure with courage, with Love and laughter. Oh! My children, is My training too hard?
For you, My children, I will unlock the secret treasures hidden from so many. Not one of your cries is unheard. I am with you indeed to aid you. Go through all I have said to you, and live in every detail as I have enjoined you. As you follow implicitly all I say, success -- spiritual, mental, and physical -- shall be yours. Wait in silence awhile, conscious of My presence, in which you must live to have rest unto your souls, and Power and Joy and Peace.
"And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and
hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I,
the Lord, which call thee by thy name, and the God of Israel." Isaiah 45:3
hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I,
the Lord, which call thee by thy name, and the God of Israel." Isaiah 45:3
