January 31 - What Do You Battle?

Ephesians 6:12
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
 
Everyone fights some type of battle. 
Too often we blame our circumstances on someone or something, when the Truth of the matter is that every battle comes from the same source.
 
Spiritual wickedness is real, and the devil is our real enemy.
He is the root cause of whatever struggle we face today.
 
What are you battling today?
 
Distractions
Possibly the easiest weapon in his toolbox is causing us to move our focus onto anything but what truly matters.
 
1 Corinthians 10:13
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
 
Discouragement
It is so easy to look around us and hang our heads. This wicked world has nothing to offer us but defeat. Look to Jesus today.
 
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
 
Depression
Though few admit to this ailment, many feel the weight of depression upon them. You are not alone in the battle. 
 
2 Corinthians 10:5
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
 
Distress
Stress is more than just a buzzword. Our flesh craves anything that deters us from calling out to the Lord for help in our situation. Help is available if only we will call out to Him.
 
Psalm 18:6
“In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.”
 
Disobedience
Sometimes our situation is because of our own choosing. When we give in to temptation, our actions have consequences. We must confess and repent of our iniquities.
 
Psalm 51:1-2
“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.”
 
Disease
When health decreases, we can turn to the Great Physician. He desires to hear the prayers of His children for those who are sick.
 
James 5:15-16
“And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
 
Delay
No one likes to wait, but the reality is that our timetable rarely, if ever, lines up with His. Choose to trust His timing, for He knows what is best. He is working all things for our good and His glory.
 
Psalm 27:14
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
 
Whatever battle you are facing today, the Lord has the solution for He is the Answer to every problem. 
 
 
Bible Reading:
Exodus 11-12    |     Matthew 10