There are many daily blessings in the Christian life. There are also daily battles. One of the ironies of walking with Christ is that much of the blessing comes through the battles. It is near the front lines, in the heat of war, where the victory is seen and God is known.
Satan, the adversary of God and accuser of the brethren, is constantly standing against us. He attacked Job (Job 1:9-11), stood against David (1 Chronicles 21:1), raised his head against Joshua the high priest (Zech. 3:1-2), and sought to stop Daniel’s prayer from being answered (Dan. 10:10-13). He even came against the Perfect Man, the Lord Jesus Christ! Do not think that you will be the exception.
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13). Rejoice! If you are facing daily battles it is a daily reminder that you are on the right side. My grandpa used to say, “If the devil never bothers you, he’s already got you!”
For all of the credit that is given to the devil, so many days my worst enemy is the one that I look at in the mirror each morning. The self life causes more battles than I can count! Samson is a warning to us all. Remember it was when Delilah “pressed him daily” that he finally yielded to temptation (Judges 16:16). Daily battles.
People imagine that those of us in ministry must jump out of bed every morning, full of spiritual desire, ready to read our Bible and pray, ever enthused about taking on the world. Nothing could be further from the truth! Flesh is flesh. As long as we live in sinful bodies, in a sin cursed world, around other sinners there will be daily battles. We must begin every day with a battle mindset.
And what about this world? It is no friend to God and it will be no friend to those who follow Him. David referred to these daily battles…
“How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?” (Psalm 13:2).
“They came round about me daily like water…” (Psalm 88:17)
“Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me. Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High.” (Psalm 56:1-2)
“Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily.” (Psalm 74:22)
There are no seven steps to success in this post. No 10 ways to victory. I offer no checklist, formula, or equation. Only one principle: Look to the Lord. God is greater than every enemy. Greater than the world. Greater than your flesh. Greater than the devil. Greater than any person who stands against you.
Daily battles only give you an opportunity for daily victory.
Hello Scott,
I just wanted to let you know that I am thanking God for your post today. I have been facing a battle at work for over a year now. When this issue first happened I thought why in the world would anyone do this and i was so upset and angry. Time passed and the same issue happened again and it was a little less of a shock but none the less just as upsetting. I sought advise from my peers and followed that advice to the letter. Again, I thought the issue went away but it resurfaced again last week. This time I wasn’t upset but I did feel defeated. The issue was questioning my character and integrity. I prayed and asked God to help and He answered my prayer earlier this afternoon. He is so merciful and good to me everyday and I am so thankful that you are allowing him to use you daily. I feel encouraged and strengthened for having gone through this battle. I am ever more aware that Satan is attacking from all directions and that the battle is daily. I’m not entirely sure that my issue is resolved but I know that as long as I am doing right and taking my troubles to the Lord…he will always see me through. Please keep me in your prayers…you are certainly in mine.
Praising the Lord,
David Cooper
Thank you so much for taking time to read and let me know. Praying for you. God bless you my friend!
Hey Scott,
This absolutely filled my heart with, exactly what I needed to hear, an read tonight.
Look to the lord…
“When everything falls apart, praise his name”
Thanks so much for this devotion tonight.
It blessed my heart, an helped me remember to lean an look upon him.
God Bless, Tiffany
What a true blessing Preacher! I’m thankful for that word! You’re a blessing! May The Lords hand be upon you!
Thank you for taking time to read and comment. Got bless you my friend. Praying for you!