Seven things you must do

To outlast the Battle and Angels

I found seven things you should do if you are to outlast any spiritual conflict. They are:

(1) Walk in faith and hope – “He indeed was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God” (1 Peter 1:20,21). I believe, the fundamental key to victory is simply 'walking in faith and hope'. In fact the nature and essence of being over comers is walking in faith [present] and seeing the victory [future hope]!

Most of us have been taught to focus on faith and consider hope to be a weak alternative. However, God's word seldom separates the two because they should be operating side by side [in equal strength and with equal priority]. Hope is merely an extension of faith. When in battle, it's what we have received now which encourages us and builds us up [faith], however, it is also what we see in the future that causes us to stand our ground and endure [hope].

(2) Endure hardship with militaristic commitment – 2 Timothy 2:3, 4 says, “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. For no one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier [his commanding officer].” Enduring hardship as a good soldier [militaristic commitment], is essential in spiritual warfare. God is looking for 'good soldiers', and the Greek word for “good” implies 'one who is fit, excellent and capable'. Therefore, a good soldier must possess all the correct virtues - he must be committed, skilled, disciplined, fierce in battle, driven and hardworking.

(3) Control your thought life and watch your confession – “Casting down arguments and every thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Chris” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

(4) Remember past prophecies and victories and thank God for them – “This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, the by them you may wage the good warfare” (1 Timothy 1:18).

(5) Know your enemy and do not be ignorant concerning spiritual matters – “Lest satan should take advantage of us, for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11).

(6) Examine your spiritual armour & understand your covenant – “Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).

(7) Praise God in spite of the circumstances.

Chris Demetriou, 19/11/2006