Monday, July 14, 2008

I wish the war were over

Battles everyday. In the spiritual realm and in its physical manifestation. Big ones, small ones.

 

I often wonder when it would all end. I happily win some but I tragically lose a lot too. Often, I fight the same battles and it makes me despair. What if I can only move on to the next stage if I win a particular battle? Does it mean that I would never be able to move on? Since I seem to lose the same fights?

 

But what else can I do but rise again and face the succeeding fights even if they are of the same kind? I have to face my enemies. Tactical strategies are constantly changing. Certain battles are fought head-on, demanding courage. But they can be tricky, too. They can creep into your life and stab you on your back while you are confidently thinking that you are invincible. Then you realize, too late, that you are not.

 

The war is raging. You have to be on the move, alert, ready to take up arms and fight. Because your life, indeed, depended on it.

 

My only recourse is God. Otherwise, where else would I go? I only feel safe and loved in His presence. I know that He will never allow me to stray too far. I constantly pray though that I would be able to hear His call above the din of sins and finite joys that this earth offers. There are still many, many battles to be fought and I truly hope that I would be able to survive. I know I will, with His help. I can’t help though to wish that the war were over. For good.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi. Just wanna encourage you that yes, the war is indeed over. Remember, Jesus himself cried it out?

The war is over, and we won.

I used to think that spiritual warfare is something I must struggle to win, too. But in the Cross, it all ended.

Our job is to rest on that finished work.

=)

Jen said...

Hey James. Thanks for the message. Yes, I know that the war is over and we won.

But the struggle is still on. I think you know what I mean. : -)

Lion Chaser Manifesto

Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshiping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze new trails. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away.

Chase the lion.

In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson (www.evotional.com)