The War

As of Wednesday, March 19, the United States has been at war with Iraq. War is not something anyone desires, but is sometimes necessary. There is another war, however, which is much more serious, much more devastating, and much more deadly. I’m thinking of the war between good and evil; between those in the world and Satan. Unfortunately, there will be more to perish as a result of this spiritual war than there will be those who are victorious (Matthew 7:13,14). I want now to think about those who have become children of God. For those who have become Christians, this war, in some ways, becomes even more intense. This war we are fighting with the devil is not a physical war with guns, granades, and tanks. Rather, it’s a spiritual war; one fought with Christ as our great Captain. Paul wrote, “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”(Eph. 6:12). Also, “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” (2 Cor. 10:3,4). There are some things we can do for our soldiers fighting in Iraq, just as there are some things we can and must do for those our fellow soldiers who are doing daily battle in this spiritual conflict. The first thing we can do for those fighting the war is to pray for them. Since the war began, I have been getting several e-mails from christians who are requesting prayers for their loved ones who are fighting in the war. Certainly, we must pray for these soldiers. But, we must also pray for those who are waging the spiritual warfare along side of us. There are many times when Paul would solicit the prayers of his fellow saints (Eph. 6:18-20). We learn from verse 18 that we should pray for all the saints. Contextually, special emphasis should be placed upon praying that they will win the battle with the powers of darkness. Besides praying for our soldiers, we should also encourage them. I’ve also received e-mails from people encouraging us to send mail to soldiers they know, giving them encouragement. We must also give our fellow soldiers in Christ constant encouragement and support in the spiritual battle(Heb. 3:12,13; Heb 10:24,25). Attend services regularly, send cards, make calls, get interested in the lives of fellow christians. All of these things serve to encourage and strengthen our brethren. Also, as I’ve often said, the best medicine for your own troubles is to help someone else with theirs. You’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel. As we fight this spiritual battle, let’s pray for and encourage one another. And, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might” Eph. 6:10.