Life is not always sunshine. Shocking, right? I may be young but I’ve been around the block enough times to know that struggles are real, spiritual attacks are real, resistance is real.
Over the last couple weeks, I’ve realized that I’m walking in such a season. I’m functioning in my calling but receiving a lot of push-back externally. It’s really frustrating! And it’s easy to get derailed as the resistance builds and builds.
I want to share five verses that you can lean on when you find yourself in times like these. You need hope, so I want to offer a lifeline, as I need this as much as you do.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV): ”But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”
The NIV Jeremiah Study Bible notes: ”Protect translates a Greek word that often describes military protection against assault. The best protection against the evil one is standing firm in the Word of God” (p.1692). We cannot stand firm alone, not without a foundation and guidance. The Word provides both of those things. When we lean on the Word, we are reminded over and over that God is faithful (Lamentations 3:22-23), that He hears us (1 Peter 3:12), that He loves us (1 John 4:7-21), and that He is working for our good (Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 29:11).
- James 4:7 (NIV): ”Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Submission is one of those icky topics people don’t like to discuss, but the truth is that God’s control is actually freeing. Evil cannot dwell in the presence of God, so when we are submitting to God’s authority and control, we can resist evil and it will flee from us.
- Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV): ”Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
There is much to be said for the armor of God, and you can read more about that here. But make no mistake: we are in a war. And spiritual warfare requires spiritual weapons. We are defenseless without them, but God provides everything we need to stand firm and protected against every attack of the enemy. The NIV Jeremiah Study Bible notes, “People (flesh and blood) may persecute, betray, or hurt God’s children, but Christians must never forget that the real battle is against Satan; he is the one who brings evil into their lives and tempts them to sin. Believers who view other people as the enemy will not be able to vanquish the true foe” (p.1645). You can read about the full armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18.
- Isaiah 1:18 (NIV): ”‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the LORD. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow;’”
Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross paved the way for total forgiveness of sins, when we accept Him as Savior and walk after Him daily. Satan doesn’t want us to operate in that forgiveness and he will accuse us about every little thing until the end. The armor of God helps us stand firm against the accuser, but sometimes we just need a reminder that God washes us clean. Lift up your eyes, friends. Repentance and salvation have washed you clean. You are never far from His love and mercy, in fact, they follow us all the days of our life (Psalm 23:6). Confession of sin purifies us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). When you change your sinful ways and obey God, the enemy has nothing to accuse you of. You can stand firm in the knowledge of salvation and your adoption as a son or daughter of Christ (Romans 8:15).
- Colossians 2:15 (NIV): ”And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
The NIV Jeremiah Study Bible says about this verse, “The Romans held a great ceremony when a military general was victorious over a foe. This ceremony celebrated the victor but also disgraced the vanquished. Similarly, God made a public spectacle of His enemies in His triumph over death through Jesus. One day, even they will ‘bow before… God’ (Romans 14:11) and ‘acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord’ (Philippians 2:11)” (p.1669). The cross was horrible and brutal, and yet it was TRIUMPHANT. Our salvation through Jesus allows us to walk in that very same triumph and victory. We don’t have to be afraid, or hide in the shadows, or walk with our heads down and cower. When we know Jesus, we know victory.
Stand firm in victory today, friends. Worship your way through the battle. Pray continually. Speak the verses aloud, because the Word is our spiritual sword!
Jesus was not defeated, and neither are you.
Blessings,
~Lynne
Bonus help: songs to focus your worship
- I Have This Hope by Tenth Avenue North
- See a Victory by Elevation Worship
- Battle Belongs by Phil Wickham
- Raise a Hallelujah by Bethel Music
- Hallelujah Anyway by Rend Collective
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