Posted on Leave a comment

Fighting Battles and Being Battle Ready

We are fighting battles every single day and sometimes they leave us filling defeated or overwhelmed. We look at the circumstances around us and instantly see defeat. Thankfully the nation of Judah had a king on the throne who “did right in the sight of the Lord”. And because he did, when the Assyrians came knocking, he receives divine help and God fights the battles for them. And when we have battles to fight, if King Jesus is on the throne of our hearts, then God will fight our battles for us.

When the Assyrians came knocking, Judah had a king on the throne who “did right in the sight of the Lord.” Therefore, the Lord was on his side and helped them and fought the battle for them.

At this time in Judah’s history, Hezekiah was king in Judah and Sennacherib was king of Assyria. Sennacherib entered Judah and made camp against the fortified cities of Judah. Assyria was used to winning its battles and Judah was no match for them

Hezekiah faced a battle against Assyria – We are fighting battles against Satan

As Christians, we face battles against our enemy, Satan and all his army of demons. Our enemy is constantly filling their bows with their fiery darts and they aim for our most venerable areas. We no sooner defend ourselves against one before another is already zinging through the air to find it’s mark. Sometimes, if feels as if we are defending ourselves against multiple fiery darts at once. As Hezekiah looked out at the vast Assyrian army, he had to be overwhelmed and afraid. Like Hezekiah, we have two choices to make: surrender in defeat or allow God to fight our battles for us. When Hezekiah saw the Assyrian army, he went into action to protect his nation with four battle strategies. We can apply these strategies to the battles that Satan brings to our doorsteps.

Hezekiah’s battle strategies: 1) stop up the water from the spring so the Assyrians had no water 2) fortify and get battle ready 3) organized and activated the army 4) reminded the people that Assyria was no match for Yahweh

Fighting Battles Strategy #1: stop up the springs so the enemy has no water and dig a tunnel to send water inside the city

First, Hezekiah instructed his leaders and commanders to stop up the water from the springs that were outside the city. In doing so, they cut off the water supply for Sennacherib’s army. But the people inside the city would need water, so he built a tunnel. Water would then flow from the springs underground and send the water inside the fortified city.

When we are in a battle against our enemy, we need to stop up extra and unnecessary activities that are draining us. Satan loves to keep us so busy that we don’t have time to drink from the Living Water of Christ. By freeing up our time, we can get alone with Jesus through His Word. We can focus on prayer and Bible study. As we seek God’s will, claim His promises, and draw on His strength, we renew our strength and our faith. Through the eyes of faith we can then see God at work in our situation.

When we are feeling overwhelmed or in a battle, we need to look for areas where we can stop up extra, unnecessary activities that are draining us so we can spend more time soaking up the living water of Christ.

Fighting Battles Strategy #2: Fortify and get battle ready

Second, Hezekiah strengthened himself so that he would be battle ready. He built up the wall that was broken, added another wall outside, repaired another fortification called the Millo, and made weapons and shields in abundance.

In Ephesians 6, Paul tell us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might and that we are to put on the full armor of God so that we can withstand the wiles of the devil because we do not fight against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkness and spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

The battles we face are spiritual battles. So we need spiritual armor. With the Armor of God, we are able to stand. This armor includes the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. These pieces of armor include five components of defensive armor and only one offensive weapon. But if we are going to “put them on,” then we need to know how they work. Let’s look at how each of these pieces of armor helps us fight in the battles against Satan:

The armor of God that fortifies, strengthens and gets us ready for fighting battles:

Belt of Truth:

The belt of the Roman’s soldier’s armor is the piece that holds all the other pieces in place. For the Christian, Jesus said He is the way, the truth, and the life. We find all the truth we need to fight against Satan when we obliterate his lies with the truth of God’s word. It is these truths that set us free from Satan’s lies.

Satan wants us to believe that we have no hope, that we could never measure up to be good enough for God, that we are sinful and could never merit God’s grace. He wants us to see ourselves as failures, not worthy of God using us to advance His kingdom. But the truth of God’s love and Jesus’ sacrificial death, burial and resurrection sets us free from sin and give us eternal life. When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus counterattacked with Scripture and for every lie Satan tempted Jesus with, Jesus quoted back truth. Truth conquers Satan’s lies.

We find all the truth we need to fight against Satan when we counterattack his lies with the truth of God’s Word and it is these truths that set us free from Satan’s lies. Truth conquers Satan’s lies.

Breastplate of righteousness:

For the Roman soldier, the breastplate covered the heart and provided protection to it and other vital organs. For the Christian, Christ’s righteousness protects us from Satan’s accusations and charges. It is only the righteousness of Jesus (not our own!) that is given to us when we accept Him as our Savior that covers and protects us.

Shoes of the gospel of peace:

Any soldier marching into battle needs strong, dependable, comfortable shoes. But what is the gospel of peace? The word “gospel” means “good news,” referring to the sacrifice Jesus made for us so that we can be saved. As a result, God’s judgment for our sins is satisfied, which sets us at peace with Him.

For the Christian, Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is lamp unto my feet and light unto my path.” 1 John 2:6 tells us that if we abide in Jesus, we ought to also walk just as Jesus walked. Satan is constantly trying to set up traps and obstacles to get us off course. And as we set our feet on the paths that God has given us, using the Word of God to light our way, we can advance the Kingdom of God as we obey the orders He has given us and keep steadily walking forward as we take the gospel of peace to others.

As we set our feet on the paths that God has given us, using the Word of God to light our way, we can advance the Kingdom of God as we obey the His orders and keep steadily walking forward as we take the gospel of peace to others.

Shield of faith:

Out of all six pieces of armor, Paul says, “Above all…take the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” Our faith defends the blows of doubt and temptation that Satan hurls at us continually. Our faith will keep us steadfast in our walk with Christ. Romans 12:3 tells us that God gives each one of us a measure of faith. As we depend on Him, our faith will grow and become a shield that protect us and enables us to live a victorious life

Helmet of Salvation:

Our mind is one of the most venerable parts for Satan to attack. Every soldier knows that battles are won and lost in the mind. Satan wants us to doubt. He wants us to doubt our Salvation, that God is real, that God could love someone like me, that I’ve done too much bad for God to save me.

The Helmet of Salvation protect our minds and gives us a sure knowledge of our salvation. We can fill our minds with promises like 1 John 1:9 and 1 John 5:11-12. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 5:11-12 tells us, “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life.” We can memorize these verses and others like them so that when Satan wants to throw the fiery darts of doubts, we can throw back the promises of God.

The helmet of Salvation protects our minds when Satan wants us to doubt. Memorizing Bible verses and hiding them in our heart gives us an arsenal of weapons so that when Satan throws his fiery darts of doubt, we can throw back the promises of God.

Sword of the Spirit:

This is the only piece of our armor that is an offense piece. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that God’s Word is “living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.” When Jesus faced the temptations in the wilderness, he used scripture as his weapon. This is why Bible study is so important for the Christian. You can’t use your sword if you don’t know the truth and power that it contains.

Fighting Battles Strategy #3: organize and activate the army

Third, Hezekiah organized his military, setting captains over the people. When we are facing spiritual and physical battles, we need to pray. Daniel 10:12-14 says, “Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.”

Matthew 18:10 teaches that angels are assigned to represent believers to God and that these angels have access to the heavenly throne and constantly present our needs to God. Psalm 103:20-21 says, “Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will.” Psalm 34:7 says, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”

What activates the army of God?

The angels make up God’s army, and they are activated by our prayers. Angels stand at the throne of God waiting to do His bidding and when we pray, God dispatches them to fight on our behalf or work out a need that we have. When Daniel was praying, an answer to his prayer was delayed by 21 days by an evil supernatural being and the arch angel, Michael, had to come to help him defeat the demon. Just as Hezekiah organized his army, our prayers organize and activate God’s army.

Just as Hezekiah organized his army against the Assyrians, our prayers organize and activate God’s army against Satan.

What if Daniel had stopped praying? Would help from Michael not come and the angel never get to Daniel? Possibly. It’s certainly a sobering thought to wonder how many times we stopped praying and because we did, we didn’t receive the help that was sent. If you’re facing a spiritual battle, don’t stop praying. If necessary, dig a tunnel for the Living Water to come rushing in to refresh and renew your faith then pray even more. Pray harder. Enlist other believers to pray with you and for you.

Fighting Battles Strategy #4: Remember that the enemy is no match for the strength of Yahweh

Lastly, Hezekiah gathered the people to him and to reminded them that Assyria was no match for the strength of Yahweh. Because of the strength of the eternal Yahweh, the people had no need to be afraid or dismayed. Their courage and strength was found in God. All the Assyrian King had on his side was his mighty and vast army made of mortal flesh and blood – but the people of Judah had the Almighty Eternal God on their side. Because God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, we can know that the same Almighty God is on our side. Just as he fought for the people of Judah, He will fight for us.

Over and over again in the history of Israel and Judah, we see God fight for His people. But he fights for them when they are humbly surrendered to Him, honoring Him with their worship, and following after only Him. But, when they strayed into idol worship and turned away from God, the people met with defeat.

If you feel like you are losing the battle, can you identify any area where you have turned away from God? Are there areas your have not surrendered to Him? Do you have any idols in your life? Are you a person who does “right in the eyes of God?” You may want to spend some time in prayer asking God to reveal to you any thing that could hinder God fighting for you. Quickly confess and repent from sin and surrender totally to God. Then we need to suit up in our God-given armor, pray, and allow God to fight the battle for us.

#Godwillfightforyou #suitup #armorofGod #prayeractivatesthearmyofGod


Revive Renew Redeem logo on self-care post
click here to listen to our daily devotions on Spotify and be sure to follow us.
One-Time
Monthly
Yearly

Make a one-time donation

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

¤5.00
¤15.00
¤100.00
¤5.00
¤15.00
¤100.00
¤5.00
¤15.00
¤100.00

Or enter a custom amount


Your contribution is appreciated and will help us grow and expand our ministry. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly

Now you can enhance your Bible Reading with the Verse Mapping Template

Our Verse Mapping download is FREE and includes 6 pages: 3 pages of instructions for using the template and the 2 page template, plus the cover page. If you’re looking to go deeper into God’s Word, learn more about God and develop a stronger spiritual life, Verse Mapping will help you dig into the scriptures. As you apply God’s Word to your life, you will develop a more intimate knowledge and relationship with God.

[Download not found]

Download our Free 2021 Bible Memory Verse Plan

We’ve put together 52 memory verses for you to hide God’s Word in your heart! You can download the full document for free and then print a new verse each week and as many copies as you’d like. Each verse prints four times on a page so that you can then cut them into index size cards and place them in prominent places where you will see them frequently throughout the day to help you remember to memorize them. Just because you visited our site, they’re yours for free! Download today.

[Download not found]
Bible Reading Plan Download

Download our Free 2021 Daily Bible Reading Plan

With just 30-40 minutes per day, you can read the entire Bible in one year. The One-Year Bible Reading Plan consists of both Old Testament and New Testament readings for each day of the year. The Bible is God’s personal Word to you. What is He saying to you today? Open your Bible and find out!

One Year Bible Reading Plan

Download our Free Self-Care Wheel

The Self-Care Wheel provides ideas for practicing self-care in six dimensions of yourself: Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, Intellectual, Sensory, and Social. NOTE: You will need 11X14 paper to print the wheel.

Want to know more about self-care? Our Self-Care blog series targets people who serve in any ministry position and takes a Biblical approach to self-care.

[Download not found]

<<<SPOTLIGHTING>>> In the Spreadshop Store:

Prayer Warrior

Are you a person who stands in prayer for others on a consistent basis? Are you a person that people come to when they need prayer? If you know what it means to be an intercessor in prayer, then you’re a prayer warrior.

Prayer Warrior

The slide show below highlights some of our favorite Christian Tees designs available in our Spreadshop and Teespring stores.

  • Revive Us Again, Lord

Canvas art and posters are available in the Teespring store. Many of our Christian Tees are also available at Teespring.

To see the collection of Canvas and Poster Prints


Need some music to get you through the day? Check out one of our Playlists on YouTube

Click here for the Contemporary Christian Playlist
Click here for the Southern Gospel Playlist
Or Click here for the Hymns Playlist

You can also watch our animated devotionals on the YouTube Channel


God, Love and Marshmallow Wars by Julia M. Bruce

What’s Inside God, Love and Marshmallow Wars?

God, Love and Marshmallow Wars is a book that includes 365 daily activities and takes you on a guided journey through Biblical principles about Godly marriage that you can then apply to your marriage, as well as helping you talk through concepts that can help you develop a solid relationship. Inside you will find simple, quick activities that include:

  • Scripture to memorize and meditate on.
  • Conversation Starters.
  • Concepts from the Bible on Godly marriages.
  • Romance Builders.
  • Relationship Builders.
  • Personal reflections.
  • Date ideas.
  • Group date ideas for you and other Christian couples.

Available in hardback, paperback and ebook from Westbow Press Bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Click the icons below to purchase from your preferred bookstore. Now also available at WalMart online.

WestBow Press logo

Bible Studies, Bibles, Books & More

Christianbook Distributors logo
Everything Christian for less!

Looking for a Bible Study, Bible, book or Christian gift? We are an affiliate with Christianbook Distributors and receive an 8% commission on any item purchased through one of our links. However, the commission never increases your cost of any item. View some of our favorite items by clicking on the logo and thank you for supporting our ministry.

Christianbook Distributors Search:
Christianbook.com

Wellspring Christian Ministries receives an 8% commission on any purchased made from Christian Book Distributors through any affiliate link on this site. Your price for any item is the same as purchasing from CBD directly.


Here’s some of our recent posts.

904.239.8937
A non-profit ministry located in Jacksonville, FL 

Follow us on:

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is FB-logo.png
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is linked-in-logo-1.png
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is twitter-bird.jpg
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is instgram-logo.png
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is pintrest-logo.png