The Battle for Our Souls

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2018 7:47 pm Post subject: The Battle for Our Souls

The Battle for Our Souls

Scripture:

But at that time shall Michael rise up, the great prince, who stands for the children of your people: and a time shall come such as never was from the time that nations began even until that time. And at that time shall your people be saved, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of those that sleep in the dust of the earth, shall awake: some unto life everlasting, and others unto reproach, to see it always. But they that are learned shall shine as the brightness of the firmament: and they that instruct many to justice, as stars for all eternity.
(Daniel 12:1-3)

And every priest indeed stands daily ministering, and often offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this man offering one sacrifice for sins, for ever sits on the right hand of God, from henceforth expecting, until his enemies be made his footstool. For by one oblation he has perfected for ever them that are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also does testify this to us. For after that he said:

Now where there is a remission of these, there is no more an oblation for sin.
( Hebrews 10:11-14, 18 )

But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light. And the stars of heaven shall be falling down, and the powers that are in heaven, shall be moved.

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds, with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. Now of the fig tree learn a parable. When the branch thereof is now tender, and the leaves are come forth, you know that summer is very near. So you also when you shall see these things come to pass, know that it is very nigh, even at the doors. Amen I say to you, that this generation shall not pass, until all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away. But of that day or hour no man knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father.
(Mark 13:24-32)

Reflection:

In the ebb and flow of history, there are times which appear better than others. There are times where we grow in knowledge and times where evil reigns and grand wars are waged to resolve conflicts, settle political scores, achieve conquest, seize power, or remove a culture. Peace appears illusive as the desire for what is right and just wanes in the face of hearts filled with pride, lust, and envy. No matter the situation or the justification, the innocent always suffer during such days.

The battle we face is not always on the field, for it is also waged in hearts and minds. Indeed, the evil one is constantly engaged in the battle for our soul. Alone, we are no match for the prince of darkness. A champion capable of defeating him we will not find in human form except the One crucified for our sins. The only hope to defeat the evil one and the hearts he fills with darkness is the One who brings forth the light of justice and love; the One sent to us as the Word made flesh.

Still, in this battle, we are not mere spectators, for every soldier of Christ has a role within His army. To be successful, we need only trust and follow Him, but the first step is to decide. If we fear and do nothing, darkness is enabled. If we trust and allow Jesus to guide us, the darkness will be extinguished by His light.

We are tempted to believe that if we remain silent and idle, we will not stir the winds of darkness or enrage the hearts of evil; somehow the battle will remain in the distance and we shall remain unscathed. We avert our eyes away from the signs which reveal we must choose to act before we are consumed. Our inaction becomes a decision, one which yields an unsustainable path, for the schemes of the evil one are not idle. Daily he plots and acts for the ruination of souls. If we do not prepare, if we do not seek out our allies, if we do not put on the armor of our faith, if we do not take the hand of God; the time will come where we shall turn, defenseless, in the face of the one who seeks our destruction.

We are tempted to believe, time is not of the essence, for there is always tomorrow; but what are we to know of that day? How are we to predict it is not our last? Let us, then, not tarry, but turn with urgency to the One who may defend us. Let us seek His hand, the hand of our Savior, so we do not fall, but are guided to walk with Him in His ways.

Questions for further reflection:

In what ways do we prepare ourselves for days of trial and tribulation?

In what ways do we give thanks for the One who leads us to what is right and just?

In what ways do we prepare for the day the Son of God will gather in the faithful?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier