When Life Is Hard: 9 Reminders that "The Lord Fights for You"
- Debbie McDaniel iBelieve Contributing Writer
- Updated Jan 30, 2024
Whether we recognize it or not, this truth daily confronts us, we face an enemy here in this life. It's more than what we can see before us. It's more than another person who we think has wronged us. It's more than our own struggles and weaknesses we deal with, or the negative self-talk we sometimes battle.
This enemy is real and fierce. He will stop at nothing to try to bring you defeat and destruction. Maybe you've noticed too. Because if you're a believer who is living like salt and light in a dark world, you won't go for long without encountering obstacles and attacks he'll hurl your direction. We can be assured, this enemy hates Truth. So if we're living by it, standing on it, seeking after it, we will be targeted. God's words are true, this battle is real, many times it feels intense.
But here's the powerful hope that keeps us strong: God is greater than whatever we face here in this world, and He fights for us still today!
If you're in the heat of the battle right now, or if the enemy feels hot on your trail, please know you're not alone, not ever. Neither are you left to fight on your own. Many of us are in the battle with you, and God is the One who fights on our behalf, constantly shielding, protecting, strengthening, even when we're unaware. We never have to struggle to fend for ourselves, but He's with us, always, covering us, in all of our days.
He's given us His words that are powerful and true, so that we'll have the wisdom to stand strong against the enemy. As I read these verses this morning, the reality struck me again that Paul wrote them while in chains, in prison. Yet the truth is - the enemy, no matter how vicious his schemes, can never chain our spirits that have been set free by Christ. Paul was not silenced by the cruel attacks from dark forces. Neither should we be.
Focusing here today, putting on His armor, staying alert, and praying, that God will equip believers everywhere to "stand strong." Press on – courageous and free – never held back by fear or defeat. For God has the final victory over our lives...
"A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."
Remember, your battle today may be more about what is unseen than what you see before you. And when you resist the enemy, God's word reminds us in
Stand strong my friends, grace to you this day.
You're never alone.
He loves you. He fights for you. He is with you.
9 Reminders from God's Word that "The Lord Fights for Us" Today:
"For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
"Through You we will push back our adversaries; Through Your name we will trample down those who rise up against us."
"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell."
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
“Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.”
"Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary."
"One of your men puts to flight a thousand, for the LORD your God is He who fights for you, just as He promised you."
Dear God,
We thank you that you hold the victory over sin and death in this world. We thank you that you came to set the captives free. We thank you for your redemptive work you’ve done in our lives. We thank you for freedom and the hope you bring.
Your word says to “stand our ground,” and that’s what we will do, in the power of your Name. The enemy has no control over us, and we bring your word of Truth as weapon against his schemes. We know that we do not fight alone, for you are constantly at work on behalf of your children, shielding, protecting, strengthening, exposing deeds of darkness, covering us from the cruel attacks we face even when we’re unaware.
We ask that you would give us wisdom and discernment to recognize the schemes of the enemy in our lives and to stand strong against his work.
We ask that you would remind us to pray, constantly, for all believers. We ask that you would help us to stay alert in a dark world. We ask that you would help us to be salt and light, that we would be loving and gracious, yet unyielding to sin.
We ask that you help us to remember to put on your armor daily, for you give us all that we need to stand firm in this day.
We thank you that though you remind us in your word that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one,
We thank you for your truth, “no weapon formed that is formed against you will prosper,”
We ask for you to comfort all who weep, for those facing tragedy, loss, and devastation. Lord, we ask for your peace, we ask for your protection, we trust you for your constant work on behalf of your children. We ask that you would bring justice for those who have been wronged and persecuted, we ask that you would bring to light what needs to be brought to light, knowing that you alone are Truth.
We pray for all who need to hear the message of hope in Christ, we pray for your Power to set them free.
We love you Lord. We need you. We stand together in your great and powerful Name.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
We don't ever have to walk in fear. For when we belong to Christ, the enemy never has the final word. We are secure in God's hands and He tells us to "stand firm." Whether in life, or in death, we may always be found standing firm for the cause of Christ.
Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's facebook page, DebbieWebbMcDaniel, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives.
Find her also at Twitter and Web Site.
