02/28/2022
We all watch the images on television of the atrocity that is unfolding in Ukraine, and we listen to the hymns being sung in the city streets there. Our tears flow as we watch tanks running over cars filled with people, and the shelling of apartment buildings, churches, and public places while prayers are being offered up underground in subways, and cellars, but persecution and destruction are nothing new for us as Christians… it is an age old story of assault that is perpetrated by Satan, the evil one.
“persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.”
2 Corinthians 4:9-10 ESV
Greed, power, world domination, these are all excuses as ancient as sin itself, and once men begin to travel down this evil road it seems impossible for them to reverse their course. The only solution seems to be defeat, exile, and more often than not their death. So how will this latest foray of evil in the world turn out? How will God’s vengeance manifest itself, and when?
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.””
Romans 12:19 ESV
This is hard to hear, and harder yet to put into action, especially when we are facing attacks against our most sacred beliefs. As Russia seeks to put down the faith of its latest Ukrainian victims, and replace it with its own legislated sense of morality, and dominance, we pray for God’s swift action, and ask in prayer if this is indeed the time, is it God’s will that we be led by Him into battle.
“You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.””
2 Chronicles 20:17 ESV
So we pray, and we seek out God’s will. We know all too well that if God tells us to hold, the fallen world will call us weak, and if we go forth in battle, they will say we are war mongers, and aggressors. Either way Satan will attempt to use God’s Holy Word against us, to deceive us, and to create confusion in the world. In consideration of this demonic plan, hold fast to your faith, and guard your beliefs from his influences and deceptions.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”
1 Peter 5:6-9 ESV
Our victories are alway founded in God, and the faith we carefully cling to. We fight when the Lord says “Fight!”, and in this way the battle remains His, because although one soldier will fight another, the battle is much larger, and predicated upon the greater values of good vs evil, and right vs wrong…
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for going with us, before us, and for us, into battle. Help us to trust in you, and your mighty right arm, as we lean upon you for salvation. Defend us against all enemies that would destroy us, and give us victory over them so that you might be glorified on that bittersweet battlefield where many souls will be won but others lost. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God whose ways are above ours, and who fights wars through us that we are unable to fully understand. Praised be your name Father for every soul we capture in the name of Jesus, and help us as we mourn those who slipped between our fingers. Have mercy on us Lord, and show us how to pray for our enemies. Your grace is sufficient indeed, and we ask that it be poured out like rain over the good, and the bad alike. Defeat Satan in every skirmish as he prods the battle to rage on, and wash the sin from the wounded who have turned to you for their deliverance. Wash them with the blood of Christ and call them your own, your children. Let this be you ultimate victory, and glory forevermore.
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”
2 Corinthians 10:4 ESV
Rich Forbes