“This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (II Chronicles 20:15 NIV)
This is my prayer in the desert
When all that’s within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides
This is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame
This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I’ll stand
I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here*
It’s easy to see a lot of fighting in many and various ways — economic, political, of course, but also the ongoing battle for families and souls. Reading or watching the news is discouraging. And, we all know of battles within marriages, within families, in schools and communities, and churches.
But, no matter what, God is faithful and strong and has already won the war with darkness.
God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. (Ephesians 6:10-18 MSG)
God of power and might, grace and glory, strength and mercy, give us discernment to see these battles as you do – to know which to fight in your strength and which to walk away from. Give us courage to stand up, speak, and love with conviction in the midst of the battles in our culture. Help us not be afraid or discouraged, but ready and willing to trust you and the weapons you have given us – truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation – as we encounter challenges in this life. And give us hearts of joy, no matter what so that we may claim, “I am pressed but not crushed, persecuted not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed; I am blessed beyond the curse, For His promise will endure [and] His joy’s gonna be my strength.”** Help us be men and women full of your grace and power who do great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In the strong name of Christ we pray, Amen.
Now Stephen, full of grace (divine blessing, favor) and power, was doing great wonders and signs (attesting miracles) among the people. (Acts 6:8 AMP)
*(“Desert Song” By Brooke Fraser, (c) 2008 Hillsongs)
**”Trading My Sorrows” by Darrell Evans (c) 1998 Integrity’s Hosanna Music
(adapted from July 7, 2009 post)