Throughout your life, you will come across many battles. These can be spiritual, physical, mental, or emotional battles. Constantly going through these challenging times can cause you to lose encouragement, faith, and hope. However, during these trying times, you can actually see God at work. The more you lean into Him and pay attention to what He is doing, the sooner you will realize that many of the battles you are facing God have already won.
You can put your weapons down. The Lord has already accomplished His good and perfect will. As the Bible says, “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:47).
1. A Works-Based Salvation
A battle many Christ followers encounter is thinking they have to work for their salvation. Although you have placed faith in Jesus, you feel like there is still an endless amount of things you must do. Perhaps you feel you must volunteer at church all the time, go on constant mission trips, or persistently be in prayer. A works-based salvation will drain your soul. You must remember that God has already given You salvation from the moment You placed faith in His Son.
Paul tells us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). By the grace of God, this battle has already been defeated. You do not have to strive after good works or working toward salvation. Salvation is a free gift and it can never be taken away.
2. The Idea That You Are Not Good Enough
Endless followers of the Lord struggle with thinking they are not good enough. Do you think you are not enough? Maybe someone close to you made you feel inferior or inadequate. Bring these feelings to God and set them at His feet (1 Peter 5:7). Lean into His love and allow your emotions to flow.
God tells you, “You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you” (Song of Songs 4:7). You are also God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). Rather than fighting the battle that you are somehow lacking something, rest in the assurance that You are enough. You are complete in Christ (Colossians 2:9-10).
3. The Struggle to Have Peace
Battles within you may be rooted in a shortage of peace. Perhaps you are always trying to find peace, only for it to pass you by. It is common to try to find peace in the things of this world, such as self-help books, meditation, and special retreats, but none of these things will give you real peace. Real peace is only found in Jesus, and this peace is already yours.
Paul shares with us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
You can take hold of this peace today. God has already fought the battle and you can reap the benefits. Present all your worries, fears, and concerns to God. His peace, which is by far the greatest peace of all, will surround and bless you. Give praise to God for His wonderful blessings!
4. Negative Thinking
Are you held in bondage to negative thinking? Maybe you are consumed with the worries of this life to the point it is inhibiting your walk with the Lord. God has already defeated negative thinking and has declared victory over it. You can claim this victory by replacing negative thinking with the truth of God’s Word.
It is also important to filter what you are consuming. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Think about praiseworthy things rather than the negative thinking that has been circulating within your heart.
5. The Desire For Community
Do you have a strong sense of community around you? You may be trying to fight just to have a few friends or a church family. God has already defeated this battle because you belong to the entire family of God (1 John 3:1). You can connect with any fellow believers and experience community.
Seek out a local church and worship the Lord with other Christians. You do not have to continue to beat against the wind. God has graciously blessed you with all things. Trust in His guidance and rely on the truth that God will lead you to the right group of people.
6. An Inner Yearning For Strength
Fighting for strength is common for Christians. You may feel too weak on your own. This is because we are all too weak without God. We need His strength. Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Rely on God’s completed battle. He has already blessed you with strength. You can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13). Whenever you are struggling to realize the strength that is already yours in Christ, turn to Him in prayer. He will strengthen your weary heart.
God has already won many battles you are fighting. Whether you are fighting for your salvation, your worth, or peace, God has already declared victory. Take hold of this victory and praise God for His mighty strength.
