I find it is easy to become discouraged in today’s modern world. On a daily basis, we are rushed, pressured, and told we aren’t good enough. Sometimes discouragement comes from a boss, a teacher, our parents, or significant other. It can happen at work, school, while driving, and even at your home. The discouragement can come at anytime and anywhere.
Even the most confident people deal with feelings of discouragement. Just look a King David in the Bible. I’m sure he felt very confident in himself after putting a stone through Goliath’s skull, but he still cried out to God in desperation when he was on the run from Saul. So, even those that seem to be content get attacked with discouragement.
And that is the key to my point. That we are constantly being attacked by devil. He attempts to draw us further away from Christ through discouragement. He can attack us anywhere and at anytime. So, what can we do to prepare ourselves when the devil tries to break us down and make us weak?
That’s why I like the idea of The Warrior Prince (or Princess if you’re a lady). It applies to all of us and hopefully the idea will help you pick yourself up when you feel the discouragement of the devil.
THE WAR
We are at war. You need to accept that right now. I don’t care if you don’t like war and think it is violent. The war’s been going on all our lives and it is not stopping anytime soon. Here’s the proof.
1 Peter 5:8-9
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
I’d have to say if we have an enemy then we are at war. The devil is real and he hunts us daily. He attacks in invisible ways. He makes us feel insecure, discouraged, and doubtful. His goal is to separate us from Christ and if we ignore him he will succeed.
The war is not physical, but rather spiritual and still very real. We don’t get to go out and shoot at the devil or try to blow him up with a missile. We can only equip ourselves with the weapons of prayer and the Bible. Trust me, it is more than enough to fight back.
I found a quote by Martin Luther that says, “For where God built a church, there the Devil would also build a chapel.” So, as Christian we need to ready ourselves for war because the devil is after us where ever we go. He is not nearly as concerned with non-christians because they have already decided not to follow Christ. That is why we must remain steadfast and fight, because those lost souls may yet find Christ through our diligence.
So, war has been declared, but we aren’t fighting alone.
THE KING
Recognizing the war is the beginning of being able to fight against the discouragement of the devil, but how can flawed people like ourselves fight against an enemy we can’t see or even understand?
Simply put, we are fighting with God on our side.
Remember that we get a preview of how everything ends in Revelation 17:14 where it says, “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.”
Look around and keep this in mind the next time you feel discouraged and want to give up. The end has been written and now Christ is King. No matter who is President, CEO, or a rich celebrity. Christ is still ruling over them and we are fighting for his glory. It is a refreshing thought to know that every battle we fight in this world has already been won by Christ our King.
CHILDREN OF GOD
How many times are we referred to as God’s children in the Bible? Too many to count, but one verse I will reference is John 1:12 which says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name”.
If we believe in Christ we inherit the right to be his children and if he is King that means we are princes and princesses. We are royalty and should act accordingly by following the scriptures and obeying Christ’s example. Also, we get all the benefits of being royalty in God’s Kingdom.
Of course, many of you are questioning me by thinking that you don’t feel like royalty. We get trampled on everyday by the world, but you can’t forget that we are still at war. Our royal treasures await us in the end, but we must persevere like true warriors.
THE WARRIOR PRINCE
The way I like to view my standing in this world is that I’m fighting the good fight. The devil attacks me because I’m doing all the right things. I’m sure you may feel discouraged by the devil at times, but remember that you are a child of the King of Kings, making you a prince or princess.
Therefore, when you fight back with prayer and scripture you become a royal warrior. A fighter for the greatest kingdom that will ever exist. So, do not fret and do not be discouraged when the devil uses this world to bring you down. Remember your identity in Christ and that you fight a war that he has already won for us.
Off The Cuff Christian 