Attacks on every hand!

As we celebrate Memorial Day and remember the military men and women who died for our freedom, I honor them and am truly grateful. Their enemies attacked and for whatever reason, they died, but for a good cause. When I hear of friendly fire, or stupid mistakes made by the soldiers or their leaders, I am sickened to hear of soldier's deaths as a result. Why is it that so many Christians today are being attacked like I've never seen before? Many times I hear of their fall and am sickened. We are in a spiritual war and God promises in His Word that we will ultimately win, but the battle at hand is heated and many Chrisitians are being attacked with sickness, calamity, divorce, and temptation beyond their overcoming. The devil and his cohorts are bringing many down to despair and sometimes death (spiritual and or physical). He works to discredit God's character and the validity of His Word. It's especially hard when it happens to those we know personally. Hope and faith are being attacked. It seems unfair because it happens to really wonderful and amazing people. There may be some of you who disagree with me, but there are reasons why the enemy of our soul has power over Christians although God's word tells us He has no power over us>(My next blog will cover our power in Christ). Here are a few Biblical reasons that reveal HOW the enemy takes every opportunity to bring God's people down: #1. Ignorance-My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, Hosea 4:6 (*a study on Godly knowledge is highly recommended). For example, I was unpacking a new flag that I bought and I couldn't see how to attach it to the pole. The screws that were needed were transparent and had I not gone back to the instructions, I wouldn't have known that all of the parts were there. The flag kit would have appeared to be missing something, making the statement that all of the parts were included, appear to be untrue. This happens to Christians when they don't know that God has given us everything we need to be blessed and victorious in this life. It's in His word! #2. Imperfect faith-our faith will not be perfect until we are with Him in Heaven. At times we may not have faith for a victory. We must admit this. God's word is perfect. His promises are true. That is why we don't recieve all that He has promised us. His word says that with faith in God, we can receive anything from Him>Jesus said, "do not doubt...have faith...and you will receive..."a doubtful man doesn't receive anything from the Lord (Matt 21:21-22). We must encourage one another to have faith in God! Faith in God comes from intimacy with Him and hearing His voice regarding your battle. #3. Fear-God has not given us a spirit of fear, BUT POWER... When the Holy Spirit comes in us, He brings power. If one doesn't know that they have powerful weapons, they won't be using them in a battle. I've heard how many of our soldiers in Iraq were lacking the weapons they needed to fight with. It was sickening to hear of their demise>Our weapons are powerful, use them! (2 Cor. 10:3-5) #4- Disobedience-(intentional or not) an act of disobedience can get us out of the glory and into the pit! Initially yielding to the Lord's will for our life is key. He is our Commander in Chief. Walking in the Spirit and being sensitive to His leading daily is our insurance. He protects us and leads us into all truth and into victory for His glory! In conclusion, the A. Paul gives us some advice for victory in this battle (1 Tim. 6:1-21 *Please read)>flee pride, lust, greed, conceit, strife, envy, and jealousy. Instead, pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness of heart. Fight the good fight of faith and lay hold of eternal life. We are victorious through HIM!