In each continent is a drainage basin called the Continental Divide. On one side of that drainage basin, all rainfall and snowmelt eventually find a way to the ocean to the east, while on the other side of that basin the water moves to the ocean on the west. Interestingly, this does not exist in the geographic center of the continent, but has more to do with altitudes, topography of the continent and the layout of the bodies of water. For example, in the United States, the Continental Divide runs through the Rocky Mountains, much closer to the Pacific Ocean than the Atlantic Ocean. When rain falls in the same location within the United States, it is either of the Pacific or the Atlantic.
As Christians, we also are one-sided, though we often forget that we are facing spiritual battles continuously. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6 of the strength and need for the whole armor of God in the lives of His followers, as believers are all members of God’s army. Thirty years ago, congregations around this nation sang, “Onward Christian Soldier” often, but while spiritual warfare has intensified since that time, we seem to have forgotten our parts in God’s war.
Satan and his demons certainly besiege believers in Jesus Christ, but Christians cannot be demon possessed. Because Jesus dwells in the hearts of His followers, He will not share that residence with Satan. Possession points to ownership, and because we have been purchased by the blood of Jesus, He owns us! Jesus has promised that He will not sell us to someone or give us away. He never will leave us or forsake us! Yet demon oppression is another story entirely. When believers choose to walk with Satan, they give him an opening into their lives. Those erroneous choices include using drugs, dabbling in the occult with fortune-telling, or any number of inopportune choices that conflict God’s Word. Demon oppression can have severe affects on the lives of Christians, but Satan is limited by God’s power, which will bind the enemy. Our part in that process is to repent of our sins and seek the Lord fully. Bible study, prayer, fasting and Christian fellowship will strengthen us, making us stronger soldiers when the battles arise.
He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.
Matthew 12:30
There are far more people who are against Jesus than with Him, yet this battle is not decided by the size of the army. Instead, it is decided by the power of God! In this world, we have double agents in almost every war, trying to play both sides for financial gain, or to ensure that whichever side proves victorious, they also will win. Yet in God’s battle, there are no double agents. We each get to make the choice of which side we are willing to fight for. It is a matter of fact that not making a choice is a choice! Once we make that choice to follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts, and at that time, we are in His ownership and possession!
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
Romans 8:9
God does not need us to fight His battles, but He uses us in that process to build our faith. How do you handle those attacks when the Lord places you in the midst of battle? Understand that He has promised His followers that He never will give us more temptation than we can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13). If that temptation is intense, God is complimenting you that He has made you very strong in Him. Additionally, God places many of His soldiers on the front lines in the battle against demons. Satan always fights back, so if you are being attacked strongly, it is because Satan hates you intensely! That is a back-handed compliment as Satan does not hate his own supporters, but instead, hates the ones who love the Lord. The more you love Jesus, the more the devil will hate you!
Never forget that the battle belongs to the Lord. We are foot soldiers at His beck and call. In the same manner that soldiers go through intense training to prepare for war, our intense training should come from God’s Word. That training ensures that when faced with extreme adversity, we will continue to act in the manner we have been trained, to lean on God instead of self. Additionally, each situation God places us in prepares us for another difficult battle. Trust in God as He will win the war!
13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Ephesians 1:13-14
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