Daily Battles (Daily Living - Part 6)

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.