Daily Devotions
When God Steps on the Battlefield
Reading for December 24th: 2 John-Jude
Weekly reading for December 20-26: Revelation 12-16
The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, "It is done!"
Revelation 16:17
Ever had one of those seasons in life when it seems like you are being pushed to your limit? You're under a lot of stress. Debt is piling up. Deadlines are killing you. Health is failing. You're under relentless attack from enemies. Even close friends or family members seem to be against you. Your patience is growing thin. It doesn't seem like you can catch a break. You're just so tired. You're tired of always having to take the blame. You're tired of trying to make everyone happy. You're simply tired of trying to do the right thing.
This, of course, is all a part of the spiritual warfare of which we're all engaged (Eph 6:10-12). The devil knows how to attack us, and sometimes he is given more leeway to make our life miserable (see Job 1-2). In these seasons, he can be absolutely merciless and relentless. He will do whatever it takes to bring us down.
It's in these times we need to rely on God even more. In chapter 16 of Revelation we see the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet assemble "the kings of the whole world" to the epic battle of Armageddon. Everyone is being brought to the battlefield. The righteous remnant is vastly outnumbered. From a worldly point of view, all hope would seem to be lost.
But then God steps onto the battlefield... It's not even a battle at that point. It's over. Immediately. There is no fight. There is no attack or counterattack. There isn't even a shot fired from the enemy. When God comes to the battle it is over.
We need to have faith that the One who is in us is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). When we're feeling overwhelmed by life, we need to turn to him!
Father God, our shield and fortress, our refuge in time of trouble, strengthen us and give us what we need to overcome the evil one!
