victory in battles

Victory in Spiritual Battles
1-23-06
Just recently I experienced the end of a spiritual oppression, or I should say, warfare. I had often explained to the Lord that I’d appreciate learning how to pray against evil, and have read many books and attended classes on this subject. But until this morning, one particular battle did not cease. This morning our room was flooded with angels while we slept, and they buoyed me up in joy, marking the end of the warfare. What a great way to start the day! Later, during my quiet time, the Lord asked me why the angels came, and I had no answer. But of course, He asked me because He had the answer.

There are battles from foes which are too strong for us to conquer. One is recorded in Rev 20:9 where satan’s army surrounds the city God loves. God directly intervenes and sends fire from heaven to defeat His foes. Another incident is recorded in Psalm 18:17-19 when David cried that his enemies were too strong for him. The Lord intervened on David’s behalf and fought on his side, enabling him to win the victory. These are the stories we expect from men filled with faith. But then, sometimes our own battles drag on without a break in the action, and we become battle-weary, and our faith suffers.

In my case, the Lord had shown me that my foes were too strong for me (spiritual foes), which seemed hard to understand. I thought every battle we ever would fight had a guaranteed victory assigned on our behalf. So I prayed for help in my battle. The Lord directed me to pray for Michael to stand up for His people (Dan 12:1). He also directed me to break off a generational curse. Still there was no breakthrough. But yesterday I worshipped Him for His goodness anyway, and praised Him for His word. I love His word, and it lifts me up when He shares with me. I told the Lord He is the reason I live for. This morning after reminding me about my time of praise, this is what the Lord said about why the angels came;

“You stood on My nature of goodness and faithfulness to My own, though you have not seen it in your life as far as the coming to pass of victory and promises given by My Spirit. A faint memory of My strength is what you stood on and praised me for. You love Me and My Word. You declared your commitment to Me. So I sent the principalities away. Therefore the angels came to rejoice with you, for I, your provider, have opened the door for them.

This is the heart which will prevail against its enemies; one which will stand on what it has known to be truth, in the face of overwhelming odds. Be not presumptuous about your position over evil powers, even though you are kings, a royal priesthood. Look at the parable about the king who considered whether he was able with 10,000 men to oppose the king coming against him with 20,000 men (Lk 14:28-32). If he did not feel confident, he would make peace with his enemy, or compromise. The basis of compromise and every unfinished work is depicted here as the lack of commitment. Commitment to the preparation of minor wars leads to victories in the great wars. The king with lesser men could win his battle if he had been faithful in his lesser battles and trusted in Me. For the lesser battles prepare one in faith and skill for the greater battles. But a man who grumbles and complains during minor skirmishes will make a way to peacefully abide with his spiritual enemies when they are too much for him.

I have made a way for streams in the dessert, for abundance in the wilderness, and for the righteous to triumph over their enemies, even when the enemy is too strong. For I see the intent of the heart which desires complete victory and will stop at nothing less (Ps 18:34-40).”

In reading the scriptures quoted here, I found that I had fallen short in the “intent of my heart” part. “Who’s speaking to me?” and “When do you want me to do this?” became small foes which led to unbelief and disobedience when left unopposed. Though we are wise to question which spirit speaks to us, and test them, there comes a time when we must establish God’s word and stand on it. Then we must be in His timing and not waver. All these lessons teach us our priorities daily, and for our life. It took my coveting God’s word and presence with all of my heart for my intent to be right. Then He brought the victory. Amen