Series: Women living for Christ, Part 6
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
We are Prepared for Battle
Don’t forget to go back and read/listen to Parts 1-5. Here’s a quick recap of our previous time together.
We know what not to do when tangled in the mess of ongoing contention and targeted attacks from others:
- Sin in our anger (Psalm 4:4)
- Make a mental list of the other person’s faults (2 Cor 10:5)
- Allow our attitude to give birth to sin (Phil 4:8)
- Puff up our own heart with pride (Proverbs 16:18)
- Build our own army (Eph 6:12)
Expect Trouble
So, what are we going to do with this ongoing contentious conduct from someone we have no control over? First, expect that life will hold trouble: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Jn 16:33)
It’s sort of simple if this person is approachable. We go to him or her and share our hearts. We, humbly and prayerfully yet confidently, tell them their sin and how the wrongful accusations forthcoming as words or actions about and against us, is hurting us. Matthew 18, prescribed to church discipline but sound wisdom for many relationships, outlines taking another (godly, trustworthy) person with you and returning if you were not heard alone. I encourage you to try it, if the situation provides the opportunity. (Wise advice I heed and share is to never go meet a man by myself. It’s a good practice for Christian women.)
Where are spiritual forces of evil?
However, we know life isn’t so simple most of the time. If they are not willing to see or hear you, don’t lose hope, don’t think you’re alone or worry the Lord has no use or direction for you. He does. Realize, this isn’t a fight between you and against any one person. Scripture tells us we fight against spiritual forces.
Ephesians 6:12 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*. DO you see that? Right here in the heavenly realms is where we struggle. This is a fight between good, between GOD and evil. The devil really did make her (or him) do it. It’s a fight until the end, but the end has been written. God wins, Friends. When we walk with the Lord, our fights are His and He has rightful claim to the champion belt already. Can you take the person out of the fight? Set your eyes on the Lord and His goodness, sovereignty and love.
