Daily devotion – weariness of the warfare
2Co 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
1Ti 1:18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,
2Ti 2:4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
These three verses in the New Testament mention the word ‘warfare’ as being part of what every believer faces, what we are involved in and what we must deal with.
Paul likens his contest with the difficulties that oppose him in the discharge of his apostolic duties, as warfare. A military conflict, a battle.
In the 43 years of ministry that Helen and I have been in as Pastors of the body of Christ, we understand succinctly what Paul is referring to. Such conflict, battle, warfare, does not necessarily have to be a situation of outrage or physical or verbal opposition. It can also mean simply living for Christ and trying to live out the Gospel to a lost world.
At times, even whilst preaching, I have sensed moments when it seems as if I am speaking to a brick wall, like having to push everything uphill.
In one ministry in particular that where I have attempted to witness Christ, for some 24 years in the professional football or athletic field, I face warfare each time I step into that arena. It’s a warfare that wears you out, it brings an oppression with it and can be a real struggle at times.
This is where our preparation, our prayer time, our asking God to guide us and go before us, to open doors and to soften hearts must be carried out before going into the battle!
Most Christians are aware of 2 Corinthians 10:4 in particular, but it is the soldiers of Christ who understand that defeat is as sure as the sun rising if we attempt warfare with our own strength.
Soldiers are always fatigued after battle, drained completely of strength as they have been at a heightened sense for the duration of the conflict. Mondays for Pastors who have preached the Word of God on Sundays know that this day is a day to reload, to rest in Christ, to drink again from the waters of life and to spend lone time in God’s Word and in His presence. For another battle awaits all who would live and serve Christ in a fallen world.
It can also include the lone Christian parent, the lone Christian son or daughter living in a family of unbelievers too, who are in a never ending war zone.
Today, read again these blessed Scriptures of warfare and note they speak of victory, God’s strength and God’s enablement so that we would not lose face or become weary in well doing!
May God bless you and strengthen you this week as you go to war with the knowledge that God never loses a battle!