Taught to Know War

 Do you know war? More important, do you know how to use the weapons of your warfare and how to make sure you overcome?  The good news is "Blessed be the Lord my Rock who trains my hands for war,  and my fingers for battle" (Psalm 144:1)  The Holy Spirit will lead us and teach us how to fight the good fight of faith, because if God is for us, who can stand against us?

We are in a war, but not with flesh and blood.  This battle may be the Lords, but He clearly waits on us to execute the authority He has given us.   It is a lot like turning on the lights--unless you flip the switch, the electricity (the abundant power of God in my analogy) will not  illuminate the lights and dispel the darkness.  In Luke 10:19 Jesus states "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you."  When God uses the word "behold," it is something amazing.  We may wonder why God wants us to have this authority, but He obviously will help us learn to use it well because in Revelation 12:11 it points out that "they (meaning us believers) overcame the enemy by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death."  Our testimony is receiving the Word with meekness and speaking that truth no matter what the flesh wants us to believe.  Romans 16:20 encourages us that He will "crush Satan under our feet."  

In the Old Testament, God left some of the enemy tribes in the promised land, so the young men who had not seen the miracles and deliverance of God over the Egyptians "might be taught to know war" (Judges 3:1-2).  Likewise in the New Testament, Hebrews 2:8-9 remind us that Jesus completely defeated Satan and everything is put in subjection to Him, "but now we do not yet see all things put under Him.  But we see Jesus,"  The point is that God wants us to use the authority Jesus has given us to stand against the devil wherever we see evil working. Our choice in the battle is really two fold, one) submit to God, and two) resist the devil and he will flee from you.  This same principle is found  Peter 5, "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist him, steadfast in the faith,"  And the conclusion is that God Himself will "perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.  To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."  

We are equipped with supernatural weapons, His armor, the blood of the Lamb, and the name of Jesus.  It is up to each of us to put them on and resist the enemy's lies and attacks.  Faith and patience inherits the promises and so does taking a stand and refusing to submit to the yoke of slavery.  Ephesians 6 bluntly states, "take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."  God is glorified when we choose to declare and trust His Word, and use the standing time as an opportunity to give thanks and praise rather than give up.  We serve a mighty God who confirms His Word.