battle mode. let’s get it on!!!

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Ephesians 6:12

O Yeah. It’s definitely On.

Few months back till now, we’ve been through what my wife and i could say is probably the most difficult time of our lives. And we’re still on the process of walking through this “wilderness” experience. In fact, from time to time, there are more “problems” that we encounter, more specifically for my wife, in terms of her professional life. If there is a moment in our lives we DESPERATELY NEED GOD, THIS IS IT!

Although our situation hasn’t dramatically improved YET(but we know it’s coming, just a matter of God’s timing) in terms of PHYSICAL manifestation, a lot has changed IN OUR HEARTS. For one, we’ve come to experience TRUE PEACE and JOY that GOD alone can provide. Yes, in Christ we have peace. And although this world brings us trouble, praise be to God for we can take heart that Jesus has overcome the world! And yes, the joy of the Lord is indeed our strength!

However, having peace and joy from God in midst of “problems” doesn’t mean though that we LET the problem STAY.

It is God’s will for His people to be in good health. Why then do Christians get sick? Only God knows. The same way only God knows why not all people are saved although it is His desire that none should perish.

We know from God’s word that disease doesn’t come from God but from the devil. Our heavenly Father desires to give us every good and perfect gift, and illness is not one of them. Now, our God MAY allow the occurrence of disease FOR HIS PURPOSE. But once the purpose of God has been accomplished, there’s no reason for the disease to STAY. And if we know that something is from the devil, we now RESIST it and FIGHT it.

Our struggle now is beyond human cells, beyond tissues, beyond flesh and blood. It is AGAINST the spiritual forces of darkness. Proof? My wife and i decided last year that it’s time for me to serve the Lord again through the worship team. The very month i was scheduled to talk to our Pastor regarding this was the same month my wife was diagnosed. This is definitely an offensive against us.

Of course, through the process, we have humbly come to accept that God allowed it for His purpose, as iron sharpens iron, so is He sharpening us. In all things, God can make it work for the good of those who love Him, those who have been called according to His purpose.

By God’s grace i am leading worship again in our church. But more than this, i praise God for we (my wife and i) are PRAYING again like we’ve never prayed before. We are READING HIS WORD again like starved children stuffing their mouths with a feast before them. We are WORSHIPPING HIM again in a daily basis and staying in His presence. O man, it’s just like we’ve been born again AGAIN!

But now we recognize that although God ALLOWED it, it didn’t originate from Him. Like when Job suffered, it was ALLOWED by God, but it came from the devil. And after Job humbled himself before God and repented and prayed, his sufferings CEASED.

Knowing this, do we put on a defensive stance? Will we guard against enemy attacks? Of course, but more than this, we have to turn the tables around. We now go for the offensive, while keeping our vitals defended.

As for me and my house, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD! This is our offense. To take an active part in the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

From time to time, the devil tries to throw fear, accusations, false testimonies against us. But we LAY HOLD on the promises of God. The lone offensive weapon in God’s armor is the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. To be on the offensive is to declare God’s word and CLAIM IT!

We are now possessing. We are taking back what is ours. We are claiming our rights as adopted children of God. We belong to Jesus, bought by His precious blood. The devil has no authority over us. No power over us. We will not be afraid. God is leading us into battle, and GOD HAS ALREADY GIVEN US THE VICTORY!!!

Let me remind you, yes, you who are reading this; we are in a battle whether we like it or not. Do you belong to God’s team destined for victory? Or to the other team destined for damnation. There’s no middle ground. You have to take a side. The battle is on.

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” – Ephesians 6:14-17