I am sure these thoughts are not so original (since there is nothing new under the sun), and a great span of time has happened between when the Lord ministered on earth until now, I am sure these are not new thoughts. But pause for a moment with me, and think about this. Prayer. Prayer is an essential part of the believer's life. It's communication with the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, our SAVIOR. Prayer humbles, prayer allows us to see God moving in our lives and in the lives of others. Prayer is our lifeline and Prayer, well, it is not always easy.
The deeper and more intimate your prayers for others become, the more your whole being is engaged in another's spiritual battle. Have you ever thought of it like that?
And now, ponder for a minute this concept of a "battle." Battles are not easy. I mean, it's a battle! Old school or new, swords or bullets, the intensity remains. In this battle, the opponents are Flesh vs. Spirit. So therefore, our weapons in this battle are not of flesh and blood.
"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV).
Did you catch that? Our weapon in the battle I am refering to (the battle of Flesh vs. Spirit), be it in your own battle, or as one on the frontlines of those your prayers are for, is the Word of God. "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12 ESV)
And, face the facts: in battle, there will be wounds. So, recognize that we cannot retreat when hurt, we must allow the Word of God to not only be our weapon of victory, but also- it is our healing agent for when the wounds of the battle are cutting deep.
And when the battle plan is unknown to us (the soldiers), we must look to our commander of all (Christ Jesus). We must trust that his guidance and leadership is for good and not harm, and He has a purpose in mind which is greater than ourselves. It's for the freeing of the captives, and the resucing of orphans; for the aid of widows and the provision of the poor and needy; the healing of the wounded and the humbling of the proud. It's all for His Glory, alone. So, Christian. Don't hold back or neglect prayer. Even when frustrated, or confused. Humble yourself before the Lord, read His word, and realize- its for a pupose that transcends you and what you see in the moment. So do not cease to pray for your lost loved ones, even when it looks as if nothing is changing. Do not cease praying for your brother or sister in Christ, or for healing or provision, even when the solution seems impossible. If the Lord has brought to your mind or attention something that is need of prayer, then do it! PRAY, soldier! do not retreat from the battle. Soli Deo Gloria.
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