More on the Battle

As I talk to people about the spiritual battle I have come to see, I often get bobbing head syndrome where I think they are agreeing with me so I won't say anymore or they just don't want to say they think the elevator has quit hitting the top floor. I'm OK with that because I was in the same boat for a number of years and it took a blow to my heart for my eyes to be opened. Today, I found the following from John Eldredge:

Let me say this again: the story of your life is the story of the long and brutal assault on your heart by the one who knows what you could be and fears it. I hope you are beginning to see that more clearly now. Otherwise, much of the Bible will not make sense to you. Much of your life will not make sense to you.

I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. (Isa. 45:2–3)

Doesn’t the language of the Bible sometimes sound . . . overblown? Really now—God is going to level mountains for us? We’d be happy if he just helped us get through the week. What’s all that about breaking down gates of bronze and cutting through bars of iron? I mean, it sounds heroic, but, well, who’s really in need of that? This isn’t ancient Samaria. We’d settle for a parking place at the mall.

If we are in an epic battle, then the language of the Bible fits perfectly. Things are not what they seem. We are at war. That war is against your heart, your glory. Once more, look at Isaiah 61:1:

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners.

We are in a battle. Our lives are not the result of what anyone has done to us but a result of our heart relationship with our Creator. It's not the absent father's fault or the drug addicted mother. It's not spoiled child's fault or the lack of education. (How can we celebrate "success stories" from these conditions and turn around and blame them for the person who doesn't rise above it?) It's a battle for the heart and soul and mind from forces that are far stronger and far more shrewd than the people we are around daily.

I pray God will continue to open my eyes to who the fight is with and prepare me for battle to his glory.

Grace and peace to you.