Victorious in Impossible Situations!

I’m one click away from alarming news. Military strikes, chemical attacks, political debates, casualties and conflicts plague the world. Another click and I silence the alarm. Off goes the TV, radio or internet. I resume life, unharmed and safe.  

Spiritual battles, however, can’t be so easily silenced. We read that the devil “went off to make war against…those who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus” (Rev. 12:17). Scripture describes a “beast” who “was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them” (Rev. 13:5-7). Satan hunts.  He intentionally schemes to “steal, kill and destroy” us. (John 10:10) Strong and cunning, he’s relentless. (1 Peter 5:8)

Every believer is in “spiritual warfare” against the world, the flesh and the devil. Winning daily battles takes serious commitment, spiritual knowledge and tough obedience.

Our Savior provides winning weapons. (2 Peter 1:3; 2 Cor. 10:3-5) Victory is possible! For example, a young shepherd boy, David, defeated Goliath, a 9’ tall, champion.

How is godly triumph possible for us? Let’s sharpen our battle strategies for victory. 1 Samuel 17 offers 4 winning game plans.

1.      Know your spiritual identity. Goliath towered over David and the Israelites, belittling them as “servants of Saul.” The Israelites fled terrified; David stood tall. Why? Because David declared the truth about himself.  We are “the army of the living God!”
     By proclaiming his true identity David took his first step toward victory. As believers, God established our new identity. He ignores public opinions and personal opinions about you and me. Our new identity is anchored in Jesus’ accomplishment, not our own reputation, skills, abilities or achievements.     

     Do you know your true identity? God says you are His beloved child with whom He is well pleased. You are “cleansed” by Jesus’ blood (1 John 1:7); You are “a citizen” among God’s people (Eph. 2:19). (See additional truths above.)

2.     
  Refocus. Goliath’s size paralyzed the Israelites. He spewed demoralizing threats, criticism and shame. The Israelites lost sight of God; their confidence vanished.

     Our focus determines our perspective. David focused on past victories, on honoring the Lord’s name, and on the Lord’s strength, ability and power.  David cultivated a winning perspective.

     A shoe manufacturer sent two salesmen to the Congo, an undeveloped territory. One salesman cabled: “Prospect here nil. No one wears shoes.” The other salesman reported enthusiastically, “Market potential terrific! Everyone is barefooted.”

     Battles are God-sized opportunities. Focus your eyes on the Lord.

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 Fight with God’s Word, prayer and praise! Well-intentioned friends offer human plans and solutions. King Saul dressed David in over-sized armor and weapons. David refused to fight in them because he was used to relying on the Lord.

     When we rely upon God’s Word, prayer and praise, we win. (Eph. 6) Scripture speaks truth; the devil speaks lies. “Prayer is not a preparation for the battle, it is the battle” (Oswald Chambers).  Praise, in the midst of battle, costs us our logic, pride and preferences. But praise is a key to victory.

 Be aware and alert at all times. For forty days, morning and evening, the Philistine giant boasted and intimidated. The devil, also, takes no rest. He prowls around, stalks us, waiting for an opportune time…when we entertain "identity lies", when we get focused on the problem, when we ignore God’s Word. Quit praying and praising.
     
     David had victory over Goliath. Consequently, every Israelite had victory that day. Jesus had victory over our enemy on the cross and His resurrection. We can be victorious… more than conquerors!  (Romans 8:37-38)