Most of the battles that we fight in life as Children of God, are because we are authentic Children of God; we are making impact in this world to the glory of God, through Jesus His Son and by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is important to note that in welfare battles, nothing is disadvantageous to the Child of God because God will use what the enemy meant for evil and turn it around and work together for your good and prosper you in every way. Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives”. And Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn”.
Warfare battles can be both physical and spiritual, short and lengthy, difficult and fierce, pained and rewarding, tensed and progressive. However, it is important to note that warfare battles are temporary and subject to change through prayer, fasting, faith, the word of God and by the power of the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 4:17, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all”. We must endeavour to see warfare battles as stepping platforms for us to grow in life and in the Lord, be promoted and blessed, thoroughly trained and equipped by God for His divine purpose. Zechariah 13:9, “This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God”.
One major thing to note regarding warfare battles a Believer in Christ encounters, is that God is always in control of these battles, and He will not leave nor forsake you. God goes before us, to prepare a way of escape for us and gives us victory when we stand in faith and not fear. 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it”.
During warfare battles, we must demonstrate that we know the God we serve and that we are Children of the Most High who trust and rely on Him completely. We must not give in to fear, anxiety, distractions, weariness, pains, weights and the devices of the enemy: rather, we must stand confident, strong and boldly as soldiers of Jesus Christ, by relying on the power of God and in the finished works of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary. We must put on the whole Armour of God and persist in the faith of the word of God. It is a time when you must remember the adage that states “During the test, the Teacher is quiet, but has not forsaken you”. Also, “Only the test of fire, makes a fine steel “. Therefore, during warfare battles, it is vital that we arm ourselves with scriptural verses such as Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. Also with Deuteronomy 31:8 “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed”.
The Different Kinds of Battles A Christian Encounters
1. The Battle of Humanity and as Children of God
This battle is as a result that you were created by God in His image and likeness, through God’s love and divine purposes. Therefore, satan detests you because you were made through God’s love for perfect fellowship and fruitful communion with God. During these trialling times, you must remember to use the word of God, the Blood and Name of Jesus, through faith, with the help of the Holy Spirit and the angels of God. Adam and Eve are a good example of such as encountered this kind of battle against the wiles of satan. This battle is to test your love and knowledge of God. The key to triumphing in this battle, is faith in God, His word and His promise. Possessing knowledge of the victory through the Cross of Jesus Christ, the power of the Blood and name of Jesus Christ, scriptures of the Bible and exercising persistent faith, are vital tools in overcoming the enemy during this battle. Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment, you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me, “says the Lord”.
2. The Battle of Maturity into Sonship with God
This is a battle that you encounter because you are a true Child of God, who loves, reverences, obeys and lives in righteousness and holiness. The devil attacks you to destroy the purity and godly condition of your heart. He will attack you through the battle of the mind, close families, friends, perpetual lies, vivid anger, regrets, doubts, unforgiveness, sickness, lack, fear and anxiety. When you are fighting this battle, the Heavens may seem shut, but you must persist in prayer, praise, worship and earnest obedience to God’s word and commands, until the appointed time that God will deliver you. E.g., Joseph, David, Abraham etc. Three major key weapons that you will have during these challenging times are the word of God, the Holy Spirit and Holiness through righteousness.
The spiritual welfare of Sonship with God is a battle of your Heart; therefore, you must guard your heart with all diligence, truth, purity, Agape love, the word of God, the Holy Spirit and with godly wisdom. God allows us to go through this battle, to build, nurture and establish our hearts, in other that we may be thoroughly vetted and approved into sonship relationship with Him. This battle is to test your loyalty and allegiance to God.
3. The Battle of Powers, Status and Influence.
This is a battle that arises because of God’s grace, favour and blessings upon your life, which has caused many fellow leadership or organisations to revolt against you because of jealousy and anger. These attacks will come through the leadership levels, whom the devil will use to try to disqualify, shame, harass and rise up against you to tarnish your reputation. These attacks usually comes from fellow pastors, prophets, Church leaders and major religious organisations etc.
To make or have a major impact through your ministry unto the world, you must face this battle. However, three major keys to winning this battle, is to walk diligently in Agape love, righteousness, the fear of God, and in the spirit of forgiveness. Great examples of these kinds of battles in the Bible, are seen in the struggle between King Saul and David, Moses and Aaron, Paul and the other Disciples. It is imperative that we consciously and diligently work in forgiveness just like Jesus and Stephen did when they were murdered. This is truly a very lonesome battle to fight, it will seem like God, and everybody has forsaken you and there is nowhere to turn to for help. At these critical times, you must rely heavily on the vindication and the validation of the Holy Spirit, the word of God, God’s peace, God’s promises and your clear conscience.
During this tough battle, you may not realise it then because of the fervent pain, isolation, seclusion, ill-reports and broken-heartedness due to betrayal from those who you least expect it from. However, God will utilise the opportunity to carefully train you to be stronger, more resistant, wiser and matured to not only withstand, but to conquer and triumph over your enemies. Genesis 50:20, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive”. At this time, god will turn what the enemy meant for evil, around for your good.This battle is to withstand you as an approved disciple and workman for Jesus Christ. However, the key is to exercise patience, self-control and strong faith in God and His promises.
Praise God!
