The War

In our language (the American English language) we tend to toss around the word "battling" a lot; usually related to sickness. "I'm battling a cold" "I'm battling this cough" "I'm battling cancer"

I have encountered these battles; whether I have gone through them or those close to me have. More recently a friend (view their blog), I've mentioned before, has undergone a serious battle. One in which she didn't ask for, but nonetheless is fighting. She has cancer. It went from her sinus and is now surrounding her lungs. After extensive surgeries, forehead replacement, Leslie and her husband and son are certainly warriors in this battle.

For those of you who don't know Leslie is my sister Anna's kindred spirit. They met years ago and instantly became friends. Leslie has been a rock for Anna, and the roles have switched. Anna's pain from losing our sister Sarah at the point of her cancer spreading to her lungs, is surfacing through Leslie's battle, and is now a battle for her as well. She aches for her dear friend, and has asked me to pray.

I thought - why not take it one step further- there is a world of prayers out there. Across the globe. I would ask that you would pray.

Dictionary.com describes a battle like so: a hostile encounter or engagement between opposing military forces

This would insinuate that there are teams, or forces, fighting against one another. And typically a battle is part of a war. So in Leslie's case, in your case, who is your force and what is the war?

I believe we have the opportunity to join forces with Leslie in her battle against cancer; while not losing focus of the war that is raging around us. For the battle is not against flesh and blood (Eph 6)... however we can continually pray for one another and our voices will be heard. God exists on earth, it is a matter if we recognize His presence, and ask for His power believing that He is able.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 3)- they were asked to denounce the Lord. The said no, throw us into the flames, and we know our God CAN save us... but even if He doesn't, we still won't bow down to your god. So what happened? They were thrown into the flames.... in the dungeon. There was a battle. As they were in the "heat" of the battle (no pun intended) a dude, a guard perhaps, saw not three men in that dungeon walking around (in the flames mind you) but FOUR. (i.e. JESUS) Praise God right? EMMANUEL. But remember, they said "But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

So, lets press forward knowing the victory is in Jesus. He died on the cross that we might have eternal life- so we don't get caught up in the temporary, but live for things eternal. The battles are here, lets fight them, knowing the victory (OVER DEATH) is won. Participate with me in fighting with one another... victories are won in Jesus daily if we fight for THAT force, and not our flesh.

I plead with you - fight the fight for Leslie. Pray for her, pray for the Body of Christ around the world, and pray. Just pray. God is with you. He is listening. He is speaking, if we only let Him!

The Lord talks about these battles, or trials...

"when you will face trials of many kind" (James 1:2)

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. " (Eph 6:10)

And... he talks about fighting.
"Fight the good fight of the faith." (1 Tim 6:12)

And the armor:
"Therefore put on the full armor of God, ... "(Eph 6:13-18)

And from our friend Oswald Chambers... a word on victory.