Applying The Word to Your Struggles
Not long ago I was telling my pastor how I felt as if I was being attacked. It seemed like everything in my life was lined up against me, the odds were certainly not in my favor. While I was pouring out my woes to my awesome pastor, she looked at me plainly and said;
If you feel like you’re being attacked, then fight back.
Her words floored me because they were so simple; don’t just sit there and complain about your situation, about the enemy, about being pushed, pressed, or shaken. Stand up and fight!
I’m sure many of you reading this already know about the Armor of God mentioned by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:14-17.
The Helmet of Salvation
The Breastplate of Righteousness
The Belt of Truth
The Shoes of Peace
The Sword of the Spirit
The Shield of Faith
(And if you’re like me then you also include your Garment of Praise)
There’s plenty of armor listed here but don’t overlook the weapon listed there; that’s the Sword of the Spirit which we know represents the Word of God. I see this as a clear indication of what we are supposed to use in battle.
Ephesians 6:12 says we aren’t fighting flesh and blood, we are fighting powers and principalities—not people but spirits. Since we’re in a spiritual war, we ought to use spiritual weapons, right? That means whenever we are being attacked by Satan and his schemes, we aren’t just supposed to pray that we can make it through. We’re supposed to get down on our knees and fight back.
Christ has more than enough power to defeat whatever foe we face; whether sickness, poverty, worry, or fear—it doesn’t matter who the enemy is because they were defeated at the Cross over two-thousand years ago at cavalry.
So how do you apply the Word to your current situation or struggle? How do you fight back when you’re in the trenches?
First, you need to find a scripture that applies to your tribulation. There are plenty of scriptures on healing, provision, and restoration, but we can use something that’s a little broader for now.
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 NIV
You can apply this scripture to any situation, whether healing, deliverance, protection, provision, or any other struggle you may be facing now or in the future. When you are in prayer, quote this scripture; thank the Lord for being your fortified tower, for keeping you safe from illness, for keeping you safe from financial struggles, for keeping your marriage safe from quarrels. Say this scripture out loud whenever you can; while cooking, driving, or even using the restroom. Take it to memory and pray it with all your heart. Run to Christ in your time of need, no matter what the need is.
The reason I use this scripture is because it describes both the Lord and us.
Jesus Christ is a fortified tower. That means He is our shelter; a fortified tower is fit for defense but also has the ability to strike back when attacked—remember that.
The righteous run to it and are safe. That’s us! We are righteous and pure before God, covered in the blood of Jesus Christ. Because we are His children, we can always run to our Father and know that we will be safe there.
But Vay, can I pray this scripture even when I’ve gotten myself into this situation? Even when I have slipped, even when I knew what I was doing was wrong?
YES!
You see, that’s the beauty of Christ. He loves us so much, He didn’t want us to have to worry about condemnation. He knew we would mess up along the way as we walk in our salvation, but the Cross is our strength. Jesus Christ took every punishment for sins once and for all at the Cross. So, when you accept Christ as your Savior, you are forgiven—now and forever.
I’m not saying you can go and sin without regret, remorse, or repentance. I’m saying that when you mess up and fall down, Jesus Christ will be right there to help you to your feet. My friend, slipping and backsliding and falling down is exactly the time to pray this scripture. When you are facing illness, financial troubles, marital issues—yes—that’s a wonderful time to pray this scripture. But when you have messed up and you have fallen into sin, that’s when you need to run to your strong tower.
When you feel you are being tested or tempted, run! Run away from temptation to your fortified tower and know that you will be safe there. No matter the situation, God is there, and the beautiful thing is; He wants to rescue you. All you have to do is ask.