No question they’ve got the morale, they’ve got the spirit, they’ve got the leadership. They’ve demonstrated form with great successes last year and I’ve no doubt they will prevail but we shouldn’t assume they will prevail in one go. General Richard Shirreff
General Shirreff was being interviewed on a middle of the night PBS news show. He’s the former Defense Supreme Allied Commander of NATO. As if that title was not enough, he had also been knighted so technically his title is General Sir Richard Shirreff. That’s a whole lot of title to carry around and to live up to, kind of a lot of weight to bear.
I saw this one night when I was having trouble sleeping and was vacillating between praying and planning. Ever do that? Pray and then plan? Bounce from leaving at the altar and then scooping it right back up? Trusting and doubting? Prayer – trusting God for a solution. Planning – doubting and Beth making her own plans.
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
Anyway…This statement by General Sir Shirreff struck me. So much so that it took about five minutes of rewinding to get it written down. Clearly, he was being interviewed about war. Specifically, the war in Ukraine. Anyway…
Regardless of the side you’re on, we have this physical war going on (many worldwide), but I kept thinking at the time, this physical war is happening because of the spiritual war being engaged in the world. Remember, it’s being fought in the heavenly places?
What I’m struggling to articulate clearly is that this statement by Sir Sherriff could easily be applied to the spiritual war being fought by God against Satan. As Christians we have the morale (If God is for us, who can be against us?). As Christians we have the spirit (Do you not know that you are the temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you?). As followers of Christ, we have the leadership (Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not into your own understanding. Acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.) As Christ followers we are overcomers (He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.) And in this spiritual battle, we will ultimately prevail because God prevails (Amen).
But in the midst of the battle, you know, the here and now on earth, just like in every physical battle, in order for us to prevail we cannot do it alone. Wars are not fought alone, they are fought with armies. Wars are not fought without planning. Wars are not fought willy-nilly, they are fought strategically. God has a perfect plan for the battles we’re engaged in.
Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful. Romans 12:12
Notice the operative word in Romans is “always.” This is the key to winning the war and the battles of this world. You know, fear, anxiety, financial battles, relationship battles, family battles, faith battles, work battles, marriage battles, school battles, emotional battles, spiritual battles, food battles, kid battles, all battles! Good soldiers always take orders from their Commander. Who’s your commander?
“Listen, King Jehoshaphat! Listen all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, by God’s…Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the LORD is with you! ” 2 Chronicles 20
We also can’t do it in “one go.” We must continue to move forward, to press on. This battles requires perseverance and endurance. This battle requires preparation. We will no doubt prevail because God wins.
But those who endure to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:13
Franklin Graham recently said: “The world has deteriorated so quickly. We cannot be deceived and we can’t be fooled. We need to be ready and be prepared.”
So demonstrate great form. Hold on, hold tight, be patient, prepared and prayerful, there’s no doubt God will prevail.