What battle are you facing?
Whether it is evident in the natural or only in the spiritual realm, whatever the challenge, it can seem overwhelming and crushing. I once heard that the definition of “devil” or “diabolos” is the “one who thrusts through like a rock.” Your warfare is not a one shot thing. You need a campaign mentality, not a battle mentality. Wars are won by a succession of battles, also known as a campaign. After all, you can lose a battle and still win the war.
Likewise, the enemy will keep coming at you. Through constant vexation and harassment, day by day, the enemy beats against our will until we are worn out and give in. Give in once and it’s easier to give in the next time. A single thread can be snapped but once several threads combine it becomes a rope. That's the way habits form—spiritual or otherwise.
Samson could break any rope, but Delilah broke his will and destroyed him. How? She “pressed him daily with her words, and urged him so that his soul was vexed unto death…” (Judges 16:15-17) The enemy starts TEMPTING the senses and TALKING to your mind…the two go together. This is how you can end up one day in the wrong relationship or in the grip of a terrible habit or compromise. Samson’s problem was he didn’t leave the presence of the temptation—he hung around. He liked it and assumed he could get out whenever he needed to. He was wrong.
Joseph was exposed to the same strategy. Great favor often comes before an attack like this and even greater favor follows, if the attack is survived. Note what the Bible says about the wife of Potipher. ”And it came to pass, as she spoke to Joseph DAY BY DAY, that he hearkened not to her, to lie by her, or to be with her” (Genesis 39:10). He had a persistent tempter but he refused to stay in her presence any longer than he had to. Joseph had the stronger inner man. Both women were persistent and used words, but one man escaped and another was captured. Learning to finish your race sometimes requires you to run away.
The story here is bigger than how to handle sexual temptation. The real story is how to discern a situation, avoid temptation and how to deal with the DAILY VOICE. By that I mean, Satan is always talking and it is so subtle it sounds like you are talking to yourself. Here’s the Battle Campaign: Keep yourself full of the Word of God, listen for and be obedient to the Holy Spirit. Practice this daily. In doing so you will learn to discern the voice of the tempter and refuse to entertain the sin and distraction. The victory is already ours in Jesus!
Great wisdom here, thank you for giving us these nuggets! I appreciate the comparison of Samson and Joseph.
This is what I am going through right now! Not sexual temptation ,but a work thing! I am about to give my resign letter. I Just want to know what do I do then? Were do I go? Starting all over again!Thank you again so Much ! AS ONE!!!!
Good morning early bird 🙂 …
Thanks for sharing, very helpful! Be led by the Holy Spirit, peace follows His directions.
Kind regards,
Donna
Your myriad wisdom is a great source of refreshing and revelation. Your words challenge and connect me to my destiny. Thank God .
I am often amazed how the Holy Spirit uses your words to confirm something that I may have been puzzling over.
The Signet Ring anointing has been spread across the Aglow family in Australia. So powerful and energising . Now for the strategic plan!
Thankyou Lance and Anabelle and Ms Mercedes.
LANCE, This is so thought-provoking…..I stopped and thought that the BiBLE says that all sins come from these three: 1) The lust of the flesh 2) The lust of the eye 3) The pride of life…..
Those who seek to Destroy Us work to wear us down until we are weary and exhausted. It is in those times of my earlier life that I succumbed to the “traps” set to destroy me and mine. It makes me so sad when I think back that as a young divorced mother—broken and angry and trying to find my way—I encountered so many temptations and traps.
I had been raised in the Church and I knew right from wrong. But after I was divorced, (I was not the unfaithful one) I moved to a new location out of necessity—and instead of being welcome in church—the fact that I was a divorced woman—married women thought I was there to pick up their husbands……I was Not There to pick up anybody’s husband—I was there to draw near to GOD and try to find Peace and a way to be “Unbroken…” (That was in the 1960’s—and there was nothing available to help people like me back them.
My child had to suffer because of having no father and a divorced mother…..All of these years later she is still broken…..
Life is filled with the devil’s traps…….and honestly, unless a person has walked in these shoes, they can’t even begin to have a clue to the pain and suffering.
Several years later—completely broken—I turned and walked away from the LORD for a season…..But I had a praying mother who never gave up on me. It took a lot of prayer—but for 33 years NOW I have been living for the LORD with my whole heart.
The many battles that I fought—some I lost—but lots I won. I did not know about Campaigns back then and what to do…..WE ARE SO FORTUNATE NOW TO HAVE YOU TO TEACH US WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW TO HELP US SURVIVE AND POINT US TO THE WAY THAT LEADS TO LIVING LIFE VICTORIOUSLY.
THANK YOU, LANE.
Hi Marsha,
I was touched by your story, one that is quite common I’ve found. My life, though completely different to yours, still has some aspects that are similar. I basically was rejected most of my life, and thus suffered a lot of depression. It took me a long time to realize that churches, pastors, even theology can be so divergent from God’s word and intention. I remember feeling it was wrong to put divorced people into such degraded and impossible situations, not considering whether the fault was theirs, or that God didn’t see them that way, even if they had erred. I’ve left so many churches because of their accusing and judgmental attitudes, not just toward me, but all people who don’t fit the church’s image of a “good Christian”. Jesus was totally the opposite! He chose rough, probably bad mouthed fishermen for His disciples, yet He only condemned those religious leaders who proudly lorded over the common people, as if they themselves were “righteous” and the others needed to be judged! It’s still the same today! Jesus loves all people, and He came to sacrifice Himself for all mankind BECAUSE He knew we couldn’t save ourselves! The first thing I look for in a pastor, is whether he / she has compassion for people, regardless of their state.
I study the Bible a lot, have done for many years, because it was the only comfort I had, a lot of the time. I’m glad you came “back” to Christ, if you actually left Him, and that your mother’s prayers were productive. Whenever I hear that someone has “rejected Christ”, I wonder whether it is because they believed the way they were treated by the “church”, was representing God toward them. A friend told me such a case concerning his young daughter, who he said brokenly ” has rejected Christ”! Knowing a little of the circumstances, I told him emphatically “No she hasn’t!” That poor girl left home at a young age, to escape a strongly religious parental control, and ended up in psyche wards. That’s the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. I pray for her that Jesus Himself would minister to the young girl and others, who don’t know the difference between the loving God, and cold, harsh religion!
By the way, I noticed you have my surname in your many names – was that your surname too?
God bless you,
Robyn Watson
I truly struggle to figure out what my BATTLE is! God gave me a gift. When I use it, the appreciation and reactions of others are amazing, but one by one, those who want to help promote my work . . . they fall: to disease, horrific car accidents, Hurricane destruction, lost jobs, head injuries, loss of funding, even death. It has gone on and on so long I fear for anyone who wants to help me. My writing–God’s writing! So many doors opened for me and then slammed shut. How do I denounce the strength of the evil forces that stop my every move? It’s continued for 20 years.
Ann
I so appreciate these anointed responses and divine insight. Thank you, Pastor Lance, for sharing the powerful Word of our Savior and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you in spirit and truth. We all face these horrific temptations, trials and tribulations as the bible clears indicates. However, He delivers us from them all. We must stay in the Word as you stated and put on the whole armor of God. We will come out stronger! The flesh is weak, and the spirit is strong, nonetheless, its which one is fed the most when those trials and tribulations comes that will win. I thank God for your platform Pastor Lance, as you are helping countless people along the way (many who just read your messages/feedback and not respond). The truth is getting out there. Powefulll Thank you !!!
Lance, your messages are always so timely and confirming. I’ve spent the last few days putting together a bible study for our class and finally chose the topic of Gods Armor after debating 2 other topics with the Lord. Your particular letter on Battle Plans came perfectly to punctuate everything I’d written… so I’ll be sharing your page along with mine later today. God never ceases to amaze us, does He!? 😄☝🏻
I love your insight and wisdom. Whenever I’m conflicted or discouraged by this world, I get a dose of Lance and I’m much better! Thank you for sharing your insight with others.
Thank you Dr Lance Wallnau
I like your heading
‘Having a campaign mentality, not a battle mentality’
This makes a lot of sense to me.
Thanks again Lance,
I have had a lot on my mind lately, and keep praying for God to show me clearly the path He wants for me. I’ve noticed lately an unusually frequent set of frustrating incidents, accidents, memory losses and challenges, that have been stressing me out. It hasn’t helped that I found a snake that has killed 2 of my kittens again! No wonder the devil is associated with that slithering reptile!
You’re right about being intent on winning the war, not just the battles. A campaign mentality has to be lining oneself up with Godly pursuits and seeking His chosen path, rather than what feels good, or seems right to the flesh. I often feel I can’t keep up with all the demands on me, but I know I should be keeping at least one day of rest (the Sabbath). I’ve been really intent on starting my art gallery, which requires a large bank loan and lots of work! I do spend quite a lot of time studying the Bible too though.
Robyn Watson
5 month unexpected widow here after 41 years, so many memories, so much pain at times. Decided to seek counseling to help me through this battle of just who I am without him – heartbreaking I must say but I know God is with me. At times I wouldn’t blame Him for not being with me but I do not choose to believe such. Hoping to find what I am supposed to do or be, looking for my steps. Such a long story of hope and now – I have no idea. Waiting
God bless you Robin. I was touched by your reply–enough to send a prayer your way. These words are really just that–a prayer. Your step to find someone who can listen and help you process your loss is a very good decision. Even if it isn’t a right fit at first or maybe you’ll have to look for the right person, God will meet you in your step–even if you feel it’s too difficult or pointless. He will guide you. Can I say this without sounding one bit patronizing? I’m proud that you are taking this step for yourself. He will meet you in any step. There are also grief groups that counselors might suggest if that’s something to consider, now or later. I’m sure you know.
Prayers for you, sister!