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For the month of October I chose to read Philippians every day. It’s only four chapters and takes less than fifteen minutes. This morning, I found myself lingering on chapter 1 verses 27-29. This is what it says: “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ………I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake”.
The last two weeks have been a challenge. Once news began to spill out of the attacks in Israel, it didn’t take long for conversations of end times, Jesus returning, and being an ally to begin taking center stage. But I must admit, I was surprised. The number of people who genuinely found themselves fearful was sad to me.
From the introduction of the Church in Acts (approximately AD 60-62) to present day, we’ve understood the gravity of being unified. Luke, Paul, James, Jude, and John all write of the essential need to stand strong and be unified in our faith. Divisions cause weakness and give the enemy opportunity to gain a foothold.
In verse 28 above, Paul says we are not to be frightened in anything by our opponents. On the surface, in light of what we keep hearing and seeing, that may seem difficult. But I have many times throughout my life that I can personally relate.
The first one that comes to mind in the month of October is my breast cancer diagnosis in 2019. I vividly recall being in the radiology department that day for my routine mammogram. In a matter of minutes, routine exited stage left. I was taken across the hall to a procedure room where they immediately prepped me to take four guided biopsies. When the tech left the room I allowed one tear to fall from my eye. The enormous weight of this sudden attack was falling on me quickly. But God (two of my favorite words) came rushing in.
Instead of being consumed by all of the unknowns, the what ifs, and just general fear, I found myself recalling scripture and lyrics that pointed me directly to the trustworthiness of God. By the time I left that procedure room, I’m fairly certain Satan already knew he’d lost this one. Not because things weren’t as they appeared; I had breast cancer and the next several months were going to suck. But he’d already lost because instead of going to pits of despair I turned to my great, big God who sent armies to my front battle lines. They were armed with shields (faith), swords (the WORD), helmets (salvation), belts (truth), breastplates (righteousness), and shoes (I prefer boots) of peace. All of those weapons were launched by and empowered through prayer. Satan didn’t stand a chance. Women who had walked this road ahead of me (especially my sister, Julie, and my friend, Christy) were warriors with me. My family (most definitely my husband) was a strong tower. My brothers and sisters in Christ stepped up and fed my family when I couldn’t. I received cards almost every day for six months.
Satan didn’t just lose because I’m still alive. He would’ve lost if I had ended up in heaven. He lost because there was unity and I wasn’t afraid of him.
Friends, Satan is prowling. And our world is a shaky place right now. But stand firm together because he knows of the coming destruction. Be unified. Not in complacent tolerance, but in the TRUTH that only comes from and through the Word of God. Feet planted in peace and swords up…………………….WE WIN!!!!