The Battle is the Lord’s

Serving GOD in today’s world can be extremely difficult at times. It seems as though the people around about us simply aren’t interested in hearing what we have to say nor are they concerned with what their future holds. It seems everyone is living for today and who cares about tomorrow.

Oftentimes, when you try to do things right in your life, those around you begin to speak negatively about you—trying to discourage and dishearten your attempts at living right. Too often it seems to be me against the rest of the world—do you feel that way sometimes?

About ten years ago, I had established a ministry focusing upon homeless people, addicts, street-people—people with life-controlling problems. The LORD prospered the ministry tremendously as we focused heavily upon the personal needs of the individual rather than following a bunch of rules and regulations. Many lives were being changed for good, Praise GOD!

However, the leaders in the city we were in at the time were not pleased with what was taking place. I was accused of drawing needy people from across America to our city because I was offering a free service for them.

The city began its process of shutting our ministry down through their various departments. After two years of struggles with the city, they finally won out and forced us from the location where we at. Many times during that two-year struggle, I felt so alone. I held on as long as I possibly could but eventually lost the battle. Overcome with exhaustion from the struggle, I entered into a dark time in my life. I simply gave up on everything for a time. I felt totally defeated.

While reading Jeremiah recently, I realized that no matter how difficult things may appear, we are never really going it alone in our battles. The LORD is always there. Jeremiah is a great example of this.

The LORD gave Jeremiah this command: “Now, get ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them or I will cause you to cower before them. Today, I am the One who has made you a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land-against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the population. They will fight against you but never prevail over you, since I am with you to rescue you. This is the Lord’s declaration” (Jeremiah 1:17-19 HCSB).

Jeremiah was told to go and stand before the wicked king and the hostile people and speak truth. He was assured of the LORD’s presence and power. He was assured that they would fight against him but in the end he would win!

The same words stand true for all GOD’s people. The battle is His. The struggle is His. Stand up, be strong, speak truth! In the end, we will win by the power of Almighty GOD!

Scripture Reading: “You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob. Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes. I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever” (Psalm 44:4-8 HCSB).

Prayer: Father, my struggles in this life often overwhelm me. Too often, I find myself trying to go it alone rather than putting my trust in You and in Your ability. I pray that You will help me to understand You are always there for me regardless of the situation I may find myself in. I need You, Lord, to encourage me in those times when the outside forces are overcoming me. Help me to trust in You! The battle is Yours, Lord!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!