Spiritual Warfare?

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:12-13 NKJV

I am understanding more, day by day, that many of the problems and perils we accept as part of living in a "fallen world" are much more than that. We have become so desensitized by what has become the norm and so accepting and tolerant of blatant sin, that we have allowed ourselves to be fooled. Who has fooled us? Why, Satan--of course! How? By slowly introducing sinful elements (through media, government and education) and making us think they are acceptable, and through seemingly normal issues like family, health and finances.

America, as a country, must wake up and return to the GOD of our fathers if she is to survive and thrive. We need to get back to the basics and restore morality. The family unit has fallen apart. Most children no longer grow up in traditional two-parent homes. Frankly, it appears that more children are born out of wedlock these days than are born to married couples. Families no longer look to GOD for strength and guidance as they did when I was a child--many never darken the door of a church unless it is Christmas or Easter, some not even then...

As a people, we struggle with more and more health maladies daily. Where do they come from? GOD's desire is for us to live a full and abundant life. How can we do this when we struggle with bodily disease? Satan knows how to hit below the belt & he pulls no punches. If he can convince us that sickness is part of our lives and we are to put our trust in modern medicine rather than GOD, he wins.

What about finances? Isn't that also part of the abundant life? Isn't this America--the Land of Opportunity--The modern-day Promised Land? Why then are so many out of work, facing foreclosure, struggling to survive? My thoughts are because we have turned our backs on GOD. He is a GOD of mercy and grace, but unless we repent of our ways and return to Him--He can & will remove His hand from our lives and leave us to our make our own destiny.

My wife & I have had our share of hard times. We've dealt with family issues, where we made mistakes. We've struggled with lots of health problems, and still do. Financially, we've had our ups & downs. Recently, I missed a good deal of work due to Dee's health & hospitalization. As a result, I lost a good deal of pay. We had to hit our savings account pretty hard, money we wanted for our retirement years and for our traveling pleasure. Yet, I count it a blessing we had savings to fall back on--in earlier days, this episode would have bankrupted us. I know we are in spiritual battle. We attempt to die daily to self and live our lives for GOD. Satan doesn't like that & he throws everything he has at us. Frankly, it makes us all the more reliant on GOD & determined to live accordingly. When our earthly lives end, we want to be able to say as Paul did, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day..." (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV)

Father, may we live our lives in accordance to Your Will and Instruction, so that You may be glorified. Help us to stand on Your Word and Your Promises. AMEN.

Blessings!
Tony

Does Healing Come?

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 NKJV


On occasion, I am asked why some people receive healing and others do not...that's a tough question. We all go through periods of pain and suffering in life--it is part of the human experience. GOD's Word tells us that if we pray in faith, GOD hears our prayers. It also says He desires to prosper us and give us an abundant life. Why then must people endure sickness and pain?

I believe we all go through times of testing & trial. It is during these times that we learn to lean more heavily on GOD and depend less on self. GOD uses these "valley experiences" as teaching moments. After all, we are to cast our cares on Him and trust Him to handle the daily events of our lives. Additionally, I believe healing always comes. It may not come in the manner we want it to and it may not happen in the timeframe we desire. Sometimes, the healing is there & we--for whatever reason--will not receive it. Sometimes, GOD instantly and completely heals. Sometimes, He uses Doctors & modern medicine to bring about healing. Sometimes, death is the ultimate healing and a saint is ushered into the presence of GOD for Eternity--forever free of pain & earthly cares.

I recently witnessed a true healing. My wife, Dee, was hospitalized with heart issues after going into full cardiac arrest. It was a frightening time. She was treated by Doctors, nurses, EMTs, ICU Staff--all of whom gave their best possible care. I was told the situation looked bleak & I should call the family in. Ultimately, she was in GOD's Hands. I wandered the halls of the hospital praying, reciting scriptures, etc. (I'm certain others thought I was an escapee from the psych ward!) Many, many friends & family joined with me in prayer for healing and restoration. While I was prepared for the possibility of her passing--in my heart, I knew it wasn't time. I knew GOD still had work for us here on earth. GOD heard our prayers & gave my wife back to me.

Granted, she still has a ways to go in the healing process. There will be Dr's appointments for followup from her surgery (defib implant) and she'll have to take it easy for a while. But, she's still here. Man (dr's & nurses) thought she'd never make it but GOD proved Himself and restored her. The ICU Staff called her a miracle and well, she is!

Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' Isaiah 58:8-9a NKJV

Never take for granted the blessings GOD gives us. I know my perspective has changed immensely. I witnessed a miracle!

Blessings!
Tony