Be On Notice
I must first begin by pointing out that I recognize that this is not a battle between Republicans and Democrats. This is not a battle between Progressives and Conservatives. This is a SPIRITUAL battle:
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12
I find it very telling that the last clause points out “spiritual wickedness in high places.” Paul is clearly talking about people who have power over others…like government. This is the enemy we battle, spiritual wickedness, and it lives in government. Knowing our enemy means we must be dedicated in the battle.
We are not promised that these battles will be easy or short.
“THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.” Thomas Paine Dec. 23, 1776
We should not expect any less a trial today, knowing that the same spirit assails us now as did Thomas Paine then. I know that the battle rages and that I am the enemy of the enemy. The enemy is ruthless and knows my weaknesses and will attempt to use them to my defeat.
Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me. Psalm 102:8
The enemy has taken an sworn oath to see me destroyed. What is the primary goal of the enemy? To make me quit; To make me worthless in the battle; To make me curse God and deny His Word and His promises.
Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. Job 2:9
BUT BE ON NOTICE…you may attack me, you may hurt me, I may stumble, but I will NOT curse God. I know that God cannot lie and HE has made ME promises!
God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Numbers 23:19
I KNOW that God will keep His promises.
And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. Romans 4:21
I KNOW that God has a purpose for me to glorify Him and He will not allow that purpose to fail.
Nevertheless He saved them for the sake of His name, That He might make His power known Psalm 106:8
So BE ON NOTICE, enemy, I know that God will prevail and through Him so will I! He has placed us all on a path and if we are willing, he will see us through, HE IS ABLE and I will trust Him.
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:12
Not only that, we have certain promises that should bolster our faith in the dark valleys. When all looks lost, when all looks like a waste of time, when all looks like needless suffering, I lean on one promise:
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
See, I know God is faithful to his promises and this promise means that no matter how I suffer, God will make it all good!
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) Hebrews 10:23
Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Enemy just know, you may attack me. I may feel overwhelmed. I may feel like I am about to fail. But I will REMEMBER…
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Cor 10:13
He is my deliverer. He is my friend. He will keep me and preserve His purpose. I will keep the faith.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
Because of this knowledge, because of these promises, I will be able to proclaim myself a victor in the midst of the battle through His name.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39
I know victory is MINE, Because I have seen the end of the story!
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:4-8
So be on notice, enemy, I will not quit, I will not curse God, and YOU WILL LOSE!