Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- May 18, 2010
“They were helped in fighting them, and God handed the Hagrites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him.” 1 Chronicles 5:20
Battlefield praying is intense, because your attention is divided between the battle you are waging and your dependence on God. This can be difficult, because the urgency of the battle compels you to engage, while you feel the tension to depend on God. You can have the best training in the world, but without God you can lose the battle. It is a trust issue. Prayer is a reflection of my trust in God. It incubates trust with acceptance and intimacy.
We cannot allow the pressure of the battle to shift our focus from God to the enemy. This is fear. So, we guard against taking matters into our own hands during the heat of the battle. It is pride when we default to using the weapons of manipulation and a demanding spirit. Instead, prayer cuts through all these human short cuts and reactions. It is patient.
Prayer keeps us focused on the winner of the war, Jesus. You may need a retreat from the battle to regroup and refresh. Rest is required, as it is a time for God’s healing and for you to replenish your physical, emotional and spiritual resources. If you fight the battle in your own strength you will lose, but if you fight the battle in the Lord’s strength you will win. Adversity and uncertainty is your passport to prayerful intimacy with Almighty God.
Your battle may be health related. It may be emotional lust or finances. It may be a relational conflict or the consequences of a bad decision. Wherever you find yourself, you can rest assured this is everyone’s battle. You are not unique or different in this regard. You are not battling alone. Look around you and pray for the walking wounded. They desperately need your prayers. They may be bleeding and don’t even realize it.
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality”(Romans 12:11-13).
God is looking for someone who will lead His people with a humble cry that moves them forward on our knees. You may have been given a battlefield promotion for “such a time as this”. Do not squander this opportunity and the influence God has given you. Engage in this prayer initiative for Kingdom purposes. When you trust God, He trusts you.
It is His wisdom and the force of His character that ultimately wins the war. So stay focused on your leader Jesus. Do not be enamored or distracted by the battle that is raging around you. Prayer keeps your perspective pure and focused on God’s agenda. Stay engaged in prayer. There will be set backs along the way, but do not lose heart. We know who wins the war!
“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith” (2 Thessalonians 1:11).
In what battle do I need to prayerfully engage, with the Lord’s help? Who can I support in prayer as they are engaged in a spiritual battle?
Related Readings: Ezra 10:1; Nehemiah 6:9; Hebrews 5:7; Jude 1:20
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timely, excellent reading.
I was so encouraged reading this late in my day.
Our team has a full week prior to hosting a seminar on a sensitive topic in East Asia this week. It feels very easy to worry and be anxious about what has not been done, who is at fault, etc. The entire devotional was good; it was especially helpful to remember not to take matters into my own hands and to continue looking to Jesus and trusting Him. He is sufficient.
Jerry, you are welcome. Yes I struggle everyday with holding on to or handing over to the Lord. You are right, He is able. My emotions are quick to forget this, until my mind reminds my will that the Lord’s track record is stellar.
It seems whether east Asia or east Cobb, Georgia, USA we all have this daily choice. Thanks for reaching out on this post, as I am sure it will bless someone else in a similar situation. Let me know how I can help further.
“Heavenly Father strengthen Jerry by Your Holy Spirit, in Jesus name, amen”
In Christ,
Boyd