The Christian life is a life of warfare. Whether we like it or not we have been called to warfare.
The Bible said that much by way of an admonition to Christians who have taken the call to warfare seriously saying:
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of suffering.” 1 Peter 5:8-9.
So how do we stay sober and focused on the onerous tasks against an angry enemy, the devil?
Here are a few tips:
Take your thoughts captive: We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:5.
1) There are too many negative news and confessions which assail us from controlling media and unsanctified sources, whose agenda is to create a compelling script of sin and to depict God as powerless to halt the advancing horde of evil.
2) In fact, someone has said that “to enter a social-media platform is to enter into a virtual theater of spiritual warfare. Social media is spiritual war….” where most of these scripts are hatched to distract and entice an unsuspecting child of God.
3) These illusions of sin and vanities are reinforced in our thoughts as we replay what we see and hear from these sources that constantly pester us with all that is wrong and that will go wrong in our world.
4) Therefore learning to take our thoughts captive by immersing our minds and hearts in the word of God is imperative for every believer in this age.
5) We must challenge every negative thought and impression with the truth in the word of God and we must choose our source of information very carefully.
6) This is what the Bible means when it says: We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. in 2Corinthians 10:5, be it fear, evil desires, and all things that are contrary to the love of God for his children.
7) Do not be discouraged: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.
Discouragement is a choice arrow in the armory of Satan that he has used to paralyze and derail most children of God and no one is immune from this attack.
The fire-spitting Prophet Elijah was reduced to rubble as he went through discouragement. He became low in self-confidence and was depressed.
Like most Christians going through a discouraging moment, Elijah had forgotten the past victories of God in his life.
Like Elijah’s experience, discouragement amplifies the threats of Jezebel more than the all-conquering voice of God.
There are of course few encouraging news in the world today but because most of God’s children are not drawing their news and words of encouragement from the Bible, they also fall prey to paralysis of discouraging news and events.
But like David when he was facing a great trial in the hands of the Amalekites we must learn to encourage ourselves in the Lord our God. The Amalekites are no longer around us but they live on as the enemies of our souls that we each battle on a daily basis.
8) Be steadfast in prayer: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Colossians 4:2.
In the last days of turbulence, we will have to take our prayers to a higher level to create a force of stability that is necessary for victory. The key attitude to such a prayer would have to be resoluteness, firmness, and an unwavering commitment.
The prophet Isaiah knew this secret and he was therefore able to make this fundamental confession:
For the Lord GOD will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed. Isaiah 50:7.
Have faith: For we live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7.
In these last days, there are so many things in the material realm that are jostling for our attention, and unless we keep our focus and attention on the word of God and pray we will find it difficult to stand for what we believe and we stand the danger of blending with the world around us.
That’s why on a daily basis we have to be deliberate and intentional in our walk with God to overcome the armies of distraction all around us.
9) Offer thanksgiving: Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
Do you want to live a stress-free life in Christ in the midst of the storms around you? Then the instructions are clear and straightforward and all you need is to believe and obey the instruction.
The instruction to a stress-free life in Christ involves thanksgiving even amid challenges:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7.
Reading
1 Samuel 30: 1-20
