To all those who believe that being a CHRISTIAN IS JUST SUNSHINE AND PROVISION…. I have news for you…
For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. (Ephesians 6:12 AMPC)
The word “Wrestling“, in various other versions, is replaced with “struggle”,”fighting”,”battle”,”fight”,”conflict”…
For our conflict is not with flesh and blood, but with principalities, and with those in authority, and with the possessors of this dark world, and with the evil spirits that are beneath heaven.(Hebraic Roots Bible)
THIS DOES NOT SAY: “WE ARE GOING TO WALK WITH NO STRUGGLE, NO CONFLICT OR ANYTHING LIKE THIS”
Why do we, as Christians, have such a messed up idea, where we believe we should always be happy… Always smile… Always be “perfect”… At so-called “peace”…
Why would Ephesians 6 mentions struggles, battles, fights or even conflict? Is it that we should know that we will be troubled? Or lets go further…
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4 NIV)
This says you must have joy while undergoing trials… Wait, this means when we do have struggles, we have to have joy?
So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10 ESV)
This says when we are weak, HIS STRENGTH IS MADE KNOWN… What is up with this?
NOWHERE DO I FIND THAT GOD SAYS WE WILL HAVE A LIFE OF PEACE…. NO BATTLE… NO TRIALS…. Does this mean what I think it does? If so, why do we still want to live in a false peace?
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world give, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27 KJV)
I will put a new twist to this…. Why is it said that:
From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force. (Matt 11:12 NKJV)
If heaven was all about trouble free, or if I may go as far to say “New Age” junk, why does those RADICAL FOR CHRIST take it by force? Why would they fight for this?
Why did Jesus let David slay a giant? If it was not about trials?
Why did “The chosen nation” have to destroy there enemies, if there are no trials?(see Numbers 14-24)
Why must we just accept the lies people tell?
Here is my final Question to you… What would you do, if you had to face a lion? Would you act like most Christians nowadays: “We have no trials” Or would you actually fight to protect you and your loved ones?
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. (1 Pet 5:8-9 NASB)
Now be prepared for your battles… Ignoring them does not change the existence of them, it only prolongs it…
Remember that the Armor in Ephesians 6 must be there for a reason… Not just for arts and fun, but war…
God loves you… He made you to be amazing 😀