The Battle is Won!

 

There was a leader in the early Church named Marcion.   One of the things I  remember about him is that he dismissed the importance of the Old Testament for Christians.   Though Marcion lived and died over 1800 years ago, he has a lot of  heirs.  There are a lot of followers of Jesus around who, like Marcion, dismiss the importance of the Bible they used:  our Old Testament.  

While I openly admit that I am more knowledgeable about the New Testament than the Old Testament, I try to read and study the Old Testament regularly.   I came across a passage some time ago that I had never really noticed before in II Chronicles that spoke to me.   In II Chronicles 20: 14-15 we read:  

¹⁴ Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly.  ¹⁵ He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.

Did you read those words:   “the battle is not yours, but God’s”.    I am guilty as perhaps you are of  sometimes living like the battles I face in life are all mine and that I have to be equal to the task  before me.   While I regularly pray, I have been guilty at times of praying for the result I HAVE DECIDED TO DO in stead of PRAYING FIRST for God to lead me on what to do and turning the results over to God.  

What battle are you facing in these days of your life?   Is the battle in your family with your spouse, parents, or children?  Is the battle in your heart and soul as you struggle with an addiction or sin that clings so closely?   Is the battle in your church or workplace?   Whatever you are facing, seek first the kingdom of God.   Remember that if you are in God’s will that the battle is always Gods and not yours.  Have a joy-filled week and God bless-  Pastor Randy Wall 

PRAYER

            O God,  forgive  us for the times we call you Lord and yet do not allow you to be the Lord of all we face in life.   Help me to always first turn to you and seek your guidance and then turn the results over to you knowing that you give us the victory in Christ Jesus;  through Christ our Lord.   Amen.