AGAINST WHOM ARE YOU FIGHTING?
There’s no doubt that our world, our nation, and our churches are experiencing division and strife. But why are we so divided? Why is an American at war against another American, and why are God’s people battling against other Believers?
Are we fighting for capitalism over socialism? Are we fighting for liberty over tyranny? Are we fighting for the people over big government? Open the economy vs. COVID restrictions? Wear a mask, don’t wear a mask, identity politics, patriotism, the list goes on and on and on.
We are definitely at war – whether you realize it or not – but the question is who is at war against whom.
“And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelations 12:17
The devil lost his battle against the Almighty God when he was cast out of Heaven, and he was again unable to defeat God in the flesh when Jesus rose from the dead (Luke 10:17, Revelation 12:7-9, 2 Timothy 1:10). Thus, the enemy (symbolized as the dragon) has turned his efforts towards God’s people (symbolized as the woman’s offspring).
Make no mistake – the devil is real and will stop at nothing to get his grip on you and your family:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” John 10:10
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
The war has always been and will continue to be between those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ, and those who reject God’s Word. You are either a child of God or a child of the devil (1 John 3:10). And listen, Child of God – when you give place in your heart, in your mind, in your intentions, motivations, or actions to ANYTHING that goes against God’s Word, you are giving the devil a foothold in your life (John 8:37-47, 1 John 3).
It’s very easy to get caught up in all the earthly affairs that are causing division and strife. I’m grieved and angered by what I see happening in our ever increasing government and to our beloved free country. But I need to remember that what lies behind all this division and deception are the demonic spirits attempting to lure souls away from the Kingdom of God.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:10-13
We know that in the end Jesus Christ will return in triumph, and He will pour His wrath upon the unrepentant and restore His Kingdom (Revelation 16-21). The question is on which side will you be standing?“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” Mark 1:15
#EverythingUnderTheSon
Tiffany Gustafson
