I went to the Gospelcom.net devotional page this morning (10 March) and clicked through to the devotional article on this site called World at War (posted on 3/2/2008).

Thanks 'arsindelve' for the very helpful piece, which lifted my spirits and helped me to find the courage to carry on again today -- in the strength of Christ. I wrote the following in response to that devotional.


Suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is no joke! After many attempts to treat the condition at a physiological level I have become convinced that its causes are predominantly spiritual. One of my neighbours is a Freemason, another is into Buddhism, and another into Spiritism. I've seen tell tale signs of other occult activity in the area also. Yet because of the illness I struggle financially and am unable to move house.

This comment from that devotional piece is SO true: "Few combatants in war ever wanted to fight but they could not shake off the conflict once it consumed them. Once the shooting starts, all you can do is choose sides."

Yesterday was a day of HEAVY attack. It was one of the worst for a long time. For starters I woke up convinced it was Monday and so missed the opportunity to go to church. No amount of praying seemed to help. After railing at God for not helping me I sent a text message to a friend saying "Christianity just seems to be a bad joke!"

Sometimes the battle is not so much about recognising the attacks when they come, but fixing our eyes and ears on Jesus, our Commanding Officer, while they are taking place -- rather than on the enemy. Listening to and obeying the promptings of the Holy Spirit is crucial. That's where the battle is lost or won.

Early in the day the Spirit told me to listen to the Bible at BibleGateway.com, but I didn't feel like it and ignored His prompting. Later I felt I should go out for a Jericho prayer walk so as clear my head, and so as to be able to engage the enemy more effectively. But I allowed my tiredness to keep me indoors. A spiritual warrior I was not! Hardly a wonder, then, that the day was a wash out.

I know I'm here for a purpose. By actively engaging in spiritual warfare -- something I have no choice about -- I'm showing the principalities and powers just Who is boss; the Lord Jesus, not me! If I didn't do it I know I'd be very ill indeed. But even in these circumstances it's too easy to relax just a little bit too much and pretend that the battle is all in my mind.

Last Monday I did go for a prayer walk. (Please be prepared for a shock.) My usual route took me through the woods next to my house. In a place known as the quarry I came across a man hanging by the neck from a tree. Two people had arrived just before me and were already calling the emergency services. His toes were just on the ground and I was concerned that he might still be alive, so on advice from the emergency operator I went to feel his wrist for a pulse. The 'body' was still warm. Paramedics tried to resuscitate him. I don't know whether he survived or not but I saw him being driven off slowly in an ambulance.

Whether this incident has any occult connections I don't know, but it followed a spate of particularly heavy attack, and counter attack on my part. One of the people who got there before me said that place is renowned for suicides. I'm praying now that that will cease.

Brothers and sisters, spiritual warfare is a reality. God puts us where He puts us for a purpose, and the devil will do anything to try to throw us off track. At one level (the spiritual) that event has strengthened my resolve to fight the good fight; with all my might! (see Col 1:29) But on another level (the emotional) the event has affected my willingness and desire to engage in the war. Knowing just how serious it is doesn't necessarily make it any easier!

All you and I can do is to continue to keep our spiritual eyes and ears open, praying for the strength and will power to do what the Holy Spirit asks us to do. He sees the end of the war from the beginning -- and visa versa. With Paul we need to continually affirm this truth: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom 8:38-39)

Jesus said: "In this world you shall have tribulation (tell me about it!): but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Paul wrote: We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. (2 Cor 1:8,9)

Reliance on God -- that's what it's all about. Here we have many battles. But our General is Lord of the Universe, and He has already won the war! We're just engaged in mopping up operations.

'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow (and every tomorrow) march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz (by whatever way the devil thinks he can get at you -- you know your weaknesses, and so does he), and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel (don't just wait passively for the enemy to come to you -- take the battle to him in the power of praise!) You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow (and every tomorrow), and the LORD will be with you.'" (2 Chron 20:15-17)

JoJoUK- 3/10/2008 7:43:52 AM

Halelujah!! This is the highest praise and the best weapon to use. When you shout this word, the enemy has to back up (retreat). Matthew 5:14 says, "You are the light of the world." Where there is light, darkness must flee. Keep fighting the good fight.

mrspiggy- 3/10/2008 8:49:52 AM

JoJoUK,
I thank God for you!
Keep on your armor! (Ephesians 6)
May the Lord continue to use you mightily!
Here is a Hymn for you!
SOUND THE BATTLE CRY
When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19
Sound the battle cry! See, the foe is nigh;
Raise the standard high for the Lord;
Gird your armor on, stand firm every one;
Rest your cause upon His holy Word.

Refrain

Rouse, then, soldiers, rally round the banner,
Ready, steady, pass the word along;
Onward, forward, shout aloud Hosanna!
Christ is Captain of the mighty throng.

Strong to meet the foe, marching on we go,
While our cause we know, must prevail;
Shield and banner bright, gleaming in the light,
Battling for the right we neer can fail.

Refrain

O! Thou God of all, hear us when we call,
Help us one and all by Thy grace;
When the battles done, and the victrys won,
May we wear the crown before Thy face.

Refrain

Ignited~Faith- 3/26/2008 8:46:54 PM

On the third Sunday of March, my church has what we call, "War Sunday". Everybody comes to church dressed in camouflage and boots. We declare war on satan and all his demons. It's the biggest service each year.

Yes, bigger than Thanksgiving, Christmas and Resurrection Sunday.

mrspiggy- 3/29/2008 6:26:52 PM

I just finished reading a great book. "Walking with God" by John Eldredge. I posted it under *Resources* on this site. A very good covering on spiritual warfare. I learned a couple of new things that hadn't crossed my mind as being "at risk" to evil spirits.

mrspiggy- 4/22/2008 10:33:44 PM