The Normal Christian Life: Embracing the Battle & Living Victoriously

Embracing the Battle: The Normal Christian Life

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the battles you face as a Christian? Do you sometimes wonder if your struggles are abnormal or a sign of spiritual failure? Be encouraged, for the truth is that the normal Christian life is embattled. It is a life intertwined with conflict, both internally and externally.

The Internal Battle: Struggles Within

Within each of us lies a constant struggle with sin and weakness. We battle against our own desires, our own brokenness, and our own limitations. These struggles can often feel overwhelming and discouraging. But take heart, for you are not alone in this fight.

The Bible reminds us that even the Apostle Paul, a great champion of the faith, experienced this internal battle. In Romans 7:19, he writes, "For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing." Paul understood the tension between his desire to do what is right and his tendency to fall into sin.

So, if you find yourself wrestling with sin and weakness, know that you are in good company. It is a normal part of the Christian life. But how do we navigate this internal battle?

Casting Our Anxieties on God

One crucial discipline in the Christian life is learning to cast our anxieties on God. In 1 Peter 5:7, we are encouraged to "cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." This means bringing our struggles, fears, and weaknesses before the Lord and entrusting them to His care.

When we cast our anxieties on God, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and His power to overcome. We release the burden of trying to fight our battles in our own strength and instead surrender to His guidance and provision.

Imagine a weary soldier on the battlefield, laden with heavy armor and weapons. He is struggling to carry the weight of his equipment, his body aching from the constant fighting. Suddenly, his commander appears and offers to carry his burdens for him. The soldier hesitates at first, unsure if he can trust his commander. But as he watches the commander effortlessly bear the weight, he realizes that he cannot win the battle alone. So, he humbly hands over his burdens and experiences a newfound freedom and peace.

In the same way, when we cast our anxieties on God, we experience His peace that surpasses all understanding. We can trust that He will guard our hearts and minds, even in the midst of the fiercest battles.

The External Battle: Struggles Without

Not only do we face internal battles, but as Christians, we also encounter struggles with external forces. We live in a world that is broken and infected with sin and evil. This means we will encounter opposition, persecution, and spiritual adversaries.

The Apostle Paul understood this reality all too well. In Ephesians 6:12, he writes, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." Paul reminds us that our battles are not merely against human opponents, but against spiritual forces of evil.

These external battles can manifest in various forms. It could be opposition from family and friends who do not understand or accept our faith. It could be the cultural pressure to conform to worldly standards and values. Or it could be the direct attacks of the enemy, seeking to undermine our faith and rob us of our joy.

Equipped for Battle

But take heart, for as Christians, we are not left defenseless in these external battles. In Ephesians 6:13, Paul encourages us to "take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."

God has provided us with spiritual armor to protect us and empower us in our battles. This armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Each piece of armor is essential for our protection and victory.

Imagine a soldier preparing for battle, carefully putting on his armor. He straps on the belt of truth, ensuring that he is grounded in God's Word. He secures the breastplate of righteousness, guarding his heart against the attacks of the enemy. He laces up the shoes of the gospel of peace, ready to share the good news wherever he goes.

As Christians, we must also put on the armor of God daily. We must immerse ourselves in the truth of God's Word, live righteously, share the gospel boldly, exercise faith in the face of adversity, hold onto the assurance of our salvation, and wield the power of the Spirit through prayer and the Word.

Living Victorious Lives

Embracing the battle as a normal part of the Christian life does not mean resignation to defeat. On the contrary, it means living victoriously in the midst of the battles. It means recognizing that our struggles are opportunities for growth, refinement, and ultimately, glorifying God.

Consider the analogy of a butterfly. Before a caterpillar can transform into a butterfly, it must go through the struggle of breaking free from its cocoon. If someone were to intervene and help the caterpillar break free, it would never develop the strength needed to fly. The struggle is necessary for its transformation and ultimate freedom.

In the same way, our battles as Christians are not meaningless or in vain. God uses them to shape us, mold us, and strengthen us. He uses them to refine our character, deepen our dependence on Him, and display His power through our weakness.

So, when you find yourself in the midst of a fierce battle, remember that it is a normal part of the Christian life. Cast your anxieties on God, knowing that He cares for you. Put on the armor of God, equipping yourself for the external struggles you will face. And embrace the battle, knowing that through it, God is at work in you, transforming you into the image of His Son.

As we navigate the year 2023 and beyond, let us hold fast to the truth that the normal Christian life is embattled. Let us stand firm in our faith, casting our anxieties on God and putting on the whole armor of God. And let us live victoriously, knowing that our battles are not in vain, but are opportunities for God's glory to be revealed in and through us.

May you find strength, encouragement, and hope as you embrace the battle and walk in the power and victory of our Lord Jesus Christ.