22/02/2023 - STRONG FOR THE BATTLE

• 
• 
• 
• 

No one will be weary or stumble among them, no one will slumber or sleep; Nor will the belt on their loins be loosed, Nor the strap of their sandals be broken;    Isaiah 5.27

When speaking of what the Babylonian army would do to Judah, the Lord warned that it would not grow weary or give up in carrying out its mission. This symbolizes what the torturing spirits do to those who fall into their hands. Therefore, if the Most High does not deliver this person, he will never get rid of evil’s power. God’s people should dominate and never be dominated; they should be above and never below, being humiliated. Unfortunately, this has already happened!

When we are born again, our salvation is guaranteed (John 3.3,5). Before the new birth, we only have the promise that we will be redeemed, but the day comes when we prove that, in fact, we want to be blessed here and in eternity. Then the work is completed. Having accepted Jesus and been baptized, we are filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2.38). Now we can face any temptation and emerge victorious. But stay tuned to what God says in His Word to remain standing!  

The biblical guidance is simple to understand: Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10.12). One of the devil’s tactics is to make himself a loser to those who do not stand firm on the Rock. Thus, they are deceived by the evil one and start to consider themselves better than those who watch and strive not to sin. When someone feels privileged, even when practicing what is forbidden, he thinks that such an act pleases God. Pray!

The Babylonian soldiers symbolized the evil spirits, for they neither rested nor slept. So, at all times, remain connected with the Lord. No doubt temptations that seem harmless will come to you. Perhaps your thought is, “God will not be sad if I give in to them, after all, others have done this and were not rebuked.” At this point, take a step back and never accept what the devil shows you!

Anyone who falls into temptation will not go unpunished. If you notice, during the period of temptation, the Holy Spirit never leaves the one who is tempted (1 Corinthians 10.13). Do not leave the Lord’s hands, for He will prevent the enemy from snatching you away: My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand (John 10.27,28).

As for the belts of the Babylonians, God reminds us that the devil and his demons go to war dressed for victory, but victory is something they will never achieve. We must stand firm in the faith, with our belts fastened, giving us the necessary mobility in the fights. Go into battle and understand that you are prepared to overcome the adversary, because God Himself has clothed you for this! (Ephesians 6.10-18).

Jesus went alone into hell and defeated Satan and his minions. In the same way you will gain victory over evil. The Bible gives the following guidance: Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor (Ecclesiastes 4.9). It is important for the couple to fight together!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares