Reminder: We are in a War

    In just reading the first few pages of Waking the Dead again, it truly sunk in that we are at war. Life is tougher than we anticipate, simply because our life which is spoken of in John 10:10 is opposed.

    We have a very real enemy, God will dispatch angels to answer our prayers but demonic forces attack the angels and the angels have little choice but to return fire, and even engage in hand-to-hand combat. That is why it is so important to remember that when our answers don't come as soon as we would like them to we can't assume God has abandoned us. We can't assume that we're somehow to blame for God's "silence". We can't blame ourselves as the enemy would have us do. In the Bible, God promises to answer our prayers when we ask.

    I am reminded of Harvey Dent's words to Batman as the Joker's plot unravelled and innocent people were going to be killed unless he revealed his true identity. "YOU CAN'T GIVE IN!" Neither can we. Unfortunately, all too often we give up when it feels like we've been waiting seemingly forever and a day for God. But we would be wise to constantly remind ourselves that we are truly in a war. The armor spoken of in Ephesians is for your benefit as well as mine. We must put it on for ourselves and then fight for our hearts as well as the hearts of others, teaching them to fight as well.

    Spending time in Korea, God is showing me so much of what I face is a result of Satan's direct opposition of my heart. He has come to steal, kill and destroy your heart and mine. We cannot let Him. The only way to complete victory is to let God into every aspect of our lives. It's a lot harder than it sounds. Ask God to show you where you need to let Him in. Then commit to keeping your eyes open as He reveals it to you. It will be difficult. Trust me, it has been difficult for me to accept my struggles. It will be difficult for you. probably moreso...But as time has gone on, I have found that he is faithful to heal where I let him in.

     It is an opposed concept to a lot of believers that God can't or won't do something. He can't heal your broken heart where you won't let him. He won't heal it unless you ask Him to from your heart, neither will He unless you go into it with Him with your eyes wide open.

    Having spoken to believers and hearing them say "God can do whatever He wants...we have to obey..." This is a kneejerk response of the religious. While this response is absolutely right, people who say this are missing is that God loves and respects us as His children. God will not force his healing on us. He will not make us accept his offer. If we choose to accept His offer of forgiveness, why should choosing acceptance of His healing  of our heart's for us be any different?

    There are certain things that children must respect from adults. But no one can make you do anything you and I do anything we don't want. Not even God. I am not rejecting predistination, I am not rejecting His omnicience, I am not rejecting anything that makes God God. What I am rejecting is the idea that we are robots for God do do what He wants whenever He wants.

     I am advocating that we are His children, co-heirs with Christ, in both His suffering as well as His triumph. I am advocating that all things work together for the benefit of those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose. Finally I am reminding us that we are at war. Open war has been declared whether we choose it or not. Will we fight? Or will we run our tails between our legs in ignorance an cowardice?