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Victory is Never Easy

by Cathey Deweese  
6/04/2010 / Christian Living

Ask any soldier if winning the war was easy and the only reply you will get is a head hung low and tears for the warriors that fell in battle. There are sure to be some casualties in any war and the war waged in this earth against the enemies of Christ is no different. We hear stories of missionaries being felled by the enemy in various parts of the world every day. But believe me they did not lose the war! They were more than conquerors through Christ who loved them. Romans 8:37 Their testimonies will live throughout the Church until the wonderful day of Christ's return.
The Christian life is not easy, but it can be victorious. Right now in the heat of this battle, God, your Father, Provider, Protector, Savior, and your True Love is saying to you, I have heard your prayers and seen your tears.
II Chronicles 20:15 Thus saith the LORD unto you, be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's.
I know that it seems like the enemy is coming at you in every way possible and using people and places that you would never expect. People you have always admired as being Godly are suddenly putting negative thoughts in your mind, slowly eating away at your faith. Members of your family are questioning your beliefs and at work it seems like a barrage of assaults trying to make you do and say things that go against everything you believe. STOP! Are you standing on God's Word, or their word? Is what they are saying in line with Gods Word? Is it Positive? Is it encouraging? Is it THE WORD?
Likewise, is what you are telling others in line with the Word? Or is it just your opinion or theirs for that matter? It is so important to know the Word and the truths and promises that it holds for every believer. The Word is your weapon, your sword. Without it... don't go into battle. You will be left with egg on your face because the enemy uses the Word every chance he gets, wrongly. If you know the Word of God you will recognize the lies. If you don't know the truth what will your defense be? When Jesus went into the wilderness He did not go alone, He had the Spirit and the Word with Him. He had the truth to battle the deceit of the enemy:
Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. (2) And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward a hungered. (3) And when the tempter came to him he said," if thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread."

Notice that Satan is attempting to put doubt into the mind of Jesus about His identity, about His Son-ship, about His personal relationship with God, His father. Satan is taunting Jesus by insisting that if he is who he claims to be then he needs to prove it. But Jesus had the Word in him and not to forget that Jesus IS the Word (John 1:1) and he knew that he need not worry about provisions because he knew God personally. He knew everything about God, because He knew the Word, studied it, prayed it, spoke it and lived it. As a young boy His only interest was in what was going on at the Temple, and what was being taught. The reading of the Torah and the Prophets were weekly public lessons. (Luke 4:16-21)
Luke 2:46-52 And it came to pass, that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
(47) And all that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.
(48) And when they saw Him, they were amazed: and His mother said unto Him, son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. (49) And He said unto them," How is it that ye sought me?" Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" (50) And they understood not the saying which He spake unto them. (51) And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. (52) And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Jesus knew his father's word and used it for a weapon to defeat the enemy. He wasn't concerned with food or power or possessions or even his own safety because he knew and summed it up in these words:
Matthew 6:31-33 therefore take no thought, saying, what shall we eat? or, what shall we drink? or, wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) (For after all these things do the Gentiles (non-believers) seek :) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Jesus answered Satan's attacks with this Word:
Matthew 4:4-7 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
The confidence Jesus had in God and of his provisions was not shaken because he knew the Truth. But Satan wasn't ready to admit defeat just yet, he still had a bag load of fiery darts to throw, or so he thought: (5) Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, (6) And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. (See there! Satan knows the Word but uses it to try to get Jesus to test his Fathers promise) (7) Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt (test) the Lord thy God.
II Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Jesus is now exhibiting rightly dividing the word of truth; I am sure that if Jesus had accidentally fallen angels would have saved him, but Jesus knows the Word and in Deut. 6:16 it is written 'thou shalt not tempt (test) the Lord thy God.'
Matthew 4:8,9 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, (9) And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
This has got to be the most incredible offer ever made. Satan is appealing to the flesh side of Jesus to offer him what God, the Father had created and what Jesus would naturally fall heir to. I think Satan must have been desperate at that moment. I can almost see the look that must have been on the face of Christ when he heard that offer. I would like to add one other thought here, if I may, for you to contemplate. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ..." Jesus is that Word, that very same God is Jesus Christ. He is the very One that created the world to be a thing of beauty, a perfect place for his creation to enjoy and live a sinless perfect life. Satan was offering this back to him in a corrupted condition, if Jesus would worship him (Satan). Satan has nothing beautiful or good to offer us, but our Heavenly Father offers streets of gold. In Genesis 3:17-19 God took the beauty that was in the Garden of Eden and closed it off to mankind and made him to eat of the cursed ground in sorrow all the days of his life. He added thorns and thistles. All of this was done because of the lies of Satan. First they heard the lie (vs. 4, 5), then they believed the lie (vs. 6). But most of all they doubted God their creator. Adam and Eve was the first to begin passing the buck (vs. 11-13). This has become a corrupt pass the buck world where no one wants to take responsibility for his own sins. 'The devil made me do it' was a funny expression made up years ago by a comedian named Chip Wilson. We all laughed and started using that phrase every time we were caught doing something that we knew we shouldn't. But the truth of the matter is that the devil didn't make them sin! He didn't stick his viper tongue out and threaten Eve with death if she didn't eat of the tree in the midst of the garden. He just planted the seed of DOUBT! He, Satan, the 'serpent' suggested that God didn't really mean it, that she misunderstood what God said, and even that God had lied to them to keep them from having the very best fruit in the garden. And she didn't take time to think it through, to remember God's words, or His actions toward them. She responded quickly upon seeing that "it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise..."vs. 6. This is the key in our walk with our loving Creator, Provider, Protector and Savior. When you find yourself having doubting thoughts, negative thoughts about God's love and provision for you; when fear and confusion enter your mind you had better have His word packed in there with all that garbage.
One such as:
I Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace...
And when fear blindsides you respond with:
II Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Force yourself to remember the times God was faithful and true to deliver you from the attacks of his archenemy. And remember, the Devil doesn't make you do anything. He offers it, but you make the decision.

Mat.4:6 And Satan saith unto Him, "If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee; and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Notice how Jesus counters with the written Word. Satan knows the word and will try to wrongfully use it against you. Mat.4:7, 10, 11 Jesus said unto him, "It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God". Then saith Jesus unto him, "Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. God's Word is the only thing that makes the devil back off. We need to know the Word of God to be able to counter the attacks of the enemy. 2 Tim. 2:15b: Rightly dividing the word of truth. If Jesus used it and it worked for him to get the devil off his back, then as believers it should work for us also. In fact, there isn't any other defense. Respond loudly and openly as Jesus did at his temptation:
Now, here is how God fulfilled his Word from Psalm 91:9-15
'Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation,
10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.
The battle is not yours, it is God's, but he is not going in alone - you get to go with him to see the action and behold the victory that was won for you before you even knew you had a battle to fight. Yes, you are going in to the heat of it but not without help and not without provisions. The problem with most believers today is that they expect God to fight these battles with absolutely no preparation from them. What good is armor if you don't own it and wear it?

He has provided the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD.
Ephesians 6:11-20
11 Put on the whole armor 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 armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
James 4:7 Submit your selves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
14 Stand therefore, having your
LOINS GIRT ABOUT WITH TRUTH.
The girdle or belt is what holds all of the other pieces of armor on. Truth is to be what holds every thing together and protects the most sensitive area of your belief. If the enemy can get a shot at your most vulnerable area, you will go down. If you know the truth, you will not fall victim to the lies of the enemy. John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. According to Vine's Expository Dictionary, pg 317; Sanctification is used in the New Testament of the separation of the believer from evil things and ways. He teaches it by His Word, John 17:17, 19; cp. Psalms 17:4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. & Psalm 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. It must be pursued by the believer, earnestly and undeviatingly.
And having on the...
BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.
The heart that pumps your blood and the lungs that give you the breath of life are covered by the breastplate. The righteousness of Christ implanted in us is our breast-plate to fortify the heart against the attacks which Satan makes against us. Mathew Henry Commentary pg1858) I don't know about you but the most sensitive area I have are my children. They are used so many times to break my heart and take my breath away.
AND YOUR FEET SHOD with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (15)
We are to protect our walk with the Lord with peace. Blessed are the peacemakers, you know. Mathew Henry's Commentary describes the military armor for the feet as metal because the enemy would put up all kinds of traps and sharp sticks that would pierce the feet and injure the marching army, thus rendering them ineffective in battle due to weakness. Bind (shod) your feet: protect your walk with a firm foundation in the gospel of peace. 2 Cor. 6:3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
Vs.16 above all, taking the
SHIELD of FAITH, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
All of the other pieces of armor are secured to the body; thus, they can only protect that area in which they cover. The Shield is held extended out in front and is moveable to protect from whatever direction the fiery darts come from. It is the most important part of the armor.
Vs.17 and take the
HELMET of SALVATION,
Salvation is the all in all that protects our minds. Mind games are Satan's favorite attack. Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the LORD forever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength. At the time you are saved God reveals His word to you, giving you understanding that you did not have before. God's word will act in your mind as a helmet. The more word you have in your mind the stronger your helmet will be.
And the SWORD of the SPIRIT, which is the WORD of GOD:
Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. 12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.
13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, (we should all pray for this for ourselves)
20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Let's reinforce this in our minds. Go back and read verses 11-17.

IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO STAND WE NEED:

TRUTH - Belt

RIGHTEOUSNESS - Breastplate

FAITHFUL WALK WITH THE LORD

FAITH - Shield

SALVATION - Helmet

KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORD - Sword

SPIRIT LED PRAYER

We've got the loins, chest, feet, and the head covered, plus we have a shield to knock off the fiery darts before they can reach any area not covered by the other armor, and a sword to thrust into the enemy for the kill. But what about the back, are we just left exposed to the attacks from behind?
No, God's got your back!
God moves in mysterious ways and this proves it. He used a pillar of fire somewhat like a tornado that would move in any direction that the Lord told it to. It was in front of them by day and it moved to the back by night to come between them and the enemy. Exodus 14:19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:
20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.
Don't tell me that was then, not now because I don't believe that for a minute. God is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. Hebrews 13:8
The funny thing is that I can't find it in the text that Moses asked the Lord to specifically make the pillar of fire and the angel to go behind them, or to open the sea and dry the land. Moses didn't tell God how to answer their need. In verse 13-14 of Exodus 14 Moses told the people to 'fear not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.... the Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.'
In other words: Be quiet and Watch! He didn't have a clue how God was going to do it. In fact, God told him to lift up the rod and stretch out his hand over the sea and divide it and they would go over dry land. You know this had to sound impossible to Moses, but he did it. And if that wasn't enough, God told Moses that he would send the Egyptians after them. I don't think Moses would have done it that way, do you? Specifics can sometimes hinder our prayers. I think we hurt ourselves because we try to map out exactly how God can accomplish what we are asking for. If we would just trust Him to do what needs to be done to bring honor and glory to His name, then the answer to our prayer would have Perfect results. Once again the battle in our mind is our worst enemy. We think too much. We humans have a tendency to play out the whole program in our heads trying to find the best way, when if we are in the word we will know that His ways are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts. Isaiah 55:8, 9

Copyright 2008 Mary C Pavlikianidis
www.yourfaithministries.com

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