FROM: Banbury, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
ABOUT ME: Living the highs and lows of life in the adventurous pursuit of God Himself and of who I'm meant to be as the Bride of Christ.
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Sunday, October 19, 2008,8:53 p.m.
THE STRATEGY
I've been thinking of (and seeing / experiencing) the war that we in as Believers. I think a lot of times we fail to recognize that something is a strategy of the enemy, instead of just a circumstance. I suppose the opposite is true, too - that we often see strategies of the enemy instead of the fact that something is circumstantial or caused by the fact that we live in a broken world.
When we do recognize the enemy's plans or maneuvers, however, how do we fight? I wonder if we do not sometimes fight the way that would seem powerful and smart in the natural sense - what we might do in an earthly battle. We try to "strategize" our next move and see these human strategies as the ones that will gain victory in whatever battle we are fighting.
I think most of us know that spiritual warfare is not fought on an earthly model. But do we really fight on a heavenly plane? Do we honestly choose to remember that our greatest point of strength and strategy come when we are on our knees - a vantage point that looks weak to anyone else? Do we get on our knees and then jump up again, brandishing our own weapons of war, having paid just enough lip service to the Lord's wisdom and strength to make us feel as though we are doing it right?
Here is some truth that we should hold very near our hearts and minds:
And for those who really aren't sure that we are not supposed to fight for ourselves....
There is no doubt that we are at war. There is no doubt that our God is the victor. Hallelujah! But as His army let us remember our own calling and the strategy that He has given us for how to fight. It will probably eliminate a lot of bloodshed and heartache, let alone show the power of our mighty God.
We better trash our idols if we want to be
Star how beautiful you shine
- Jason Upton, Dying Star
When we do recognize the enemy's plans or maneuvers, however, how do we fight? I wonder if we do not sometimes fight the way that would seem powerful and smart in the natural sense - what we might do in an earthly battle. We try to "strategize" our next move and see these human strategies as the ones that will gain victory in whatever battle we are fighting.
I think most of us know that spiritual warfare is not fought on an earthly model. But do we really fight on a heavenly plane? Do we honestly choose to remember that our greatest point of strength and strategy come when we are on our knees - a vantage point that looks weak to anyone else? Do we get on our knees and then jump up again, brandishing our own weapons of war, having paid just enough lip service to the Lord's wisdom and strength to make us feel as though we are doing it right?
Here is some truth that we should hold very near our hearts and minds:
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:3-4)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Ephesians 6:12-13)
And for those who really aren't sure that we are not supposed to fight for ourselves....
Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand: You will lie down in torment. (Isaiah 50:10-11)
There is no doubt that we are at war. There is no doubt that our God is the victor. Hallelujah! But as His army let us remember our own calling and the strategy that He has given us for how to fight. It will probably eliminate a lot of bloodshed and heartache, let alone show the power of our mighty God.
You've got your best man on the front side
You always show your best side
And evil's always on the other side
You say this is your strategy
But son I hope you take it from me
You look just like your enemy
You're full of pride
We better trash our idols if we want to be
In the army of the Lord
And the greatest idol is you and me
We better get on the threshing floor
When will we learn that God's strategy
Is giving glory to the Lord?
We better trash our idols if we want to be
In the army of the Lord
Star how beautiful you shine
You shine more beautiful than mine
You shine from sea to shining sea
World-wide is your strategy
But shinning star I hope you see
If the whole wide world is staring straight at you
They can't see me...
- Jason Upton, Dying Star
