Inspirational Thought: Battle Lines by Bette Ford
Isaiah 30: 18
The ultimate battle of good and evil will be between God, the Almighty and Satan, the devil. We can only imagine what Estelle V. Banks and Sylvana Bell were experiencing while writing the song, I Am On The Battlefield For My Lord. Their poignant lyrics give a voice to a world battling against the Coronavirus. When the COVID-19 became a global pandemic, March 11, 2020, the battle lines were drawn. Some might say hell has been let loose since the devil has set out to challenge, divide and conquered all who live and breathe, especially Followers of Jesus Christ and Believers of the Father God, who sits above but bends low to hear the prayers of those who love Him.
Doubtful? Remember, the fruit of God’s Holy Spirit is, “ love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). The devil is the author of confusion, fear, panic, worry and evil, (I Corinthians 14:33, John 8:44, 2 Corinthians 4:4).
The devil’s primary weapon is fear. Until the Coronavirus, most of us have not clear understanding of how powerful and destructive fear can be. Faster than the speed of sound, fear has spread across the globe whether its fear for the future or the fear of not having enough or the ultimate fear, the fear of death. Satan hopes that while in the grips of fear we will stop using our heads (to think things through) and simply react to the panic that surrounds us (like a pack of wild animals).
There is one hard fact that we cannot ignore and must face. Tomorrow is not promised (Proverbs 27:1). All we really have is today, for God alone holds the future (Matthew 6:33). There is no better time for us to choose which side of the battle we are on, and then act accordingly.
Are you not tired? How much longer can you straddle the fence, with one leg on God’s side and the other one on the devil’s side? Start by searching your heart to see if you believe that God exist and He is the Lord. Do you have to pick? Yes, because every day we either grow closer to God or the devil. Are you ready to be a soldier in the army of Jesus Christ, the Living God or do you wish to fight with and for the devil? The devil wants you to forget the polar opposite of love is hate, the opposite of peace is turmoil, and the opposite of faith is fear.
If you’re exhausted from feelings as if you are on the front line, weary of fighting the world alone, then let the Light of the world, Jesus Christ, shine in your heart. Let Him be your strength and shield. As a Believer you will experience, first hand, His goodness, grace and mercy. Make no mistake God is a Warrior. We can count on His strength to carry us through every battle. The Lord has this COVID-19, just as He has those who believe in Him, in the palm of His hand.
Most important, it’s not too late to switch sides. To become a Believer and Follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, you must confess your sins, ask for forgiveness and accept that Jesus is the Savior, the Son of God and the bridge between earth and heaven (John 14:6).
Isaiah 30: 18 (NLT)” So the LORD must wait for you to come to Him so He can show you His love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for His help.”
2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) ”For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
Philippians 4: 6 (NKJV)” Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
