War often brings to mind images of battlefields, heavy ammunition, tanks, grenades, and soldiers outfitted in full battle array. Brave men and women go to war for our country daily in foreign lands.
But far from the devastation of gunfire and bombs, another war quietly rages, camouflaged under everyday life. It happens as we drive minivans, grocery shop, work, play, eat, and sleep. It isn't a war for territory or political power. It's a war for our souls.
Ephesians 6:12 explains, "For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens." And it's a battle we've lost.
A New Kind of Victory
Except this isn't the end of the war. God saw our spiritual brokenness and had mercy on us. He sent His Son, Jesus, to pay for our sins. John 3:16 explains, "For God loved the world in this way: He gave His one and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."
Christ came to earth as a baby. His virgin mother, Mary, laid Him in a manger - a scene we see throughout this season. Underneath this peaceful display, however, is a devastating blow to Satan's plan for our lives. This was the beginning of the end for sin. Christ came to make war against sin, and He won.
Christ took our punishment on Himself when He endured the cross. Second Corinthians 5:21 says, "He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." We respond to that sacrifice by surrendering to Him our entire lives.
A Way for Peace
The war has been won, but we forget the Victor. The enemy's most powerful weapon? Keeping us in total oblivion. If we stay busy enough and pursue the things of the world, we won't realize we need a Savior.
Wake up and acknowledge your sin before God. Be aware of the battle. Allow Him to come into your life and defeat sin, brokenness, failure, and emptiness with His eternal love. The war is real, and so is the victory.
Maybe you've tried fighting in your own strength. Maybe you've tried to be good, and you're absolutely exhausted. Ephesians 2:8 tells us, "For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift - not from works, so that no one can boast." You can't win the battle for your soul in your own strength. Christ alone claims the victory.
Romans 10:9 says: "If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." If you choose to believe Jesus died for your sins and to surrender your life to Him, pray a prayer similar to this one: Dear God, I know I'm a sinner. I believe Jesus died to forgive me of my sins. I now accept Your offer of eternal life. Thank You for forgiving me. From this day forward, I will choose to follow You.
Thankfully, we were never meant to follow Christ in isolation. Part of His plan for us includes uniting us with other believers to grow and serve together.
To learn more about salvation, baptism, and growing in the Lord, visit your local church, and join a community of believers. If you'd like to speak with someone about how to have new life in Christ, call toll free (888) 537-8720.
This article is courtesy of HomeLife Magazine.