How do we know that it is God’s voice we are hearing? So many voices in my head sometimes, how do I know which is God’s voice. Sometimes, He whispers and sometimes He shouts by the circumstances surrounding us; but how do I know what is that clear direction? How do we continue to battle this spiritual warfare that we are continuously in? How do we stand in the midst of all the evil that surrounds us and know that we are standing in the midst of His will? How do we survive the battle, still standing though at times wounded? How do we continue to march forward when everything around us appears chaotic, tumultuous, and dark? What do we do when there appears no light upon the horizon?
Ephesians 6: 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Up to this point, Paul has led these young believers on a journey of discovery of what it means to be in Christ, then he pointed out what the Christian walk looks like when we are centered in Christ, and now he turns to begin to tell us the how to of that position. At no point in this series do I want to rush my way through so we will continue to march through this as you and I both learn more. We must remember always that we are in a battle against spiritual enemies that desire to destroy us. Those enemies come from outside and from deep within our own humanity. Sometimes we wounded in this battle. Sometimes we face personal defeat and wonder at how we could have been so wrong. Sometimes we look back at all our own failures and become overwhelmed with our own unworthiness; yet, in the midst of it all there comes a truth that rings forth. A truth that presses us on and allows us to stand once more before the Throne of Grace. That truth comes from God’s own words. Hebrews 4: "15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
So let us embark upon this journey of how to battle, how to fight for God’s Joy in the midst of so much turmoil and how to stand victoriously in the center of such a horrific war that we are engaged. Do not forget the truths we have already begun with. Because of the blood of Christ by faith and not by my own works, I have been saved. Thereby, in Christ I am redeemed (risen), blessed, beloved, chosen, child of the King-heir of royalty, imprisoned by abounding love, servant because of overwhelming gratitude, enlightened by His light, New Creation, filled with His gifted faith, and declared a Saint. Every battle must begin with that battle cry. We must proclaim it each morning and then we must put on our armor of God to go forth into that days evil. In the following part of this series, we will examine that armor. May the richness of God’s truth go with you as we not only look at the armor, but I hope all the questions that today’s note began with are answered as well. Keep your focus on Christ, write His word upon your heart, pray, and then always remember, God is In Control and knows the end as well as the beginning. He loves you and He will be your guide every step of the way.