I was 13 years old the first time I doubted my faith and 29 years old the second (and I pray, last) time my faith was shaken. I believe some people are given a spiritual gift of having a firm and steadfast faith. Others, like myself, learn most about the Lord and His character by walking slowly through valleys.
When I was 13, I had recently given my life to the Lord and truly begun following Him for the first time in my life. When I was 29, I was in a season of serving the Lord in a number of ways while also really struggling with how my life, as sweet and full as it was, didn’t look how I thought it would as I approached turning 30. In those two seasons of growth with the Lord, the enemy was also there seeking to stifle and wither the faith that God intended to firmly root.
The Ultimate Conqueror
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that while battles will tragically happen on earth between flesh and blood, more destructive battles, with long-term consequences, happen “against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.”
While battles between flesh and blood are absolutely devastating, being on the losing side of a battle with the spiritual forces means eternal separation from the presence of Jesus. Even though it may feel like the enemy wins some battles, Jesus is the ultimate conqueror. He defeated death and the grave. He conquered the enemy then, and he continues to do so everyday. The Lord will always have the last word (John 19:30).
What feels like a battle in your life right now? Maybe you’re in a really sweet season where you’re walking in answered prayers and every day feels like a blessing. Or, maybe you’re in a season (whether it’s been short or excruciatingly long) where it feels like the Lord has left your side, and the enemy wins every moment of every day.
Speaking from experience, I want to tell you that this season won’t last forever. It may seem like it will never end. In my most difficult seasons, I had to hold on to the hope and belief that God was with me, just as Scripture says he is.
Walking Through Dark Valleys
Someone once pointed out to me that Psalm 23:4 says “even when I must walk through the darkest valley…” It doesn’t say run, and it definitely doesn’t say skip. It says walk.
When we find ourselves in really hard situations and seasons, we just want to get through it. We want to press “pause” and then “fast forward”, not “slow-motion.” But, that’s what Scripture says hard seasons, aka “dark valleys,” are. They aren’t quick. There is no instant gratification. They are grueling.
Being Strengthened in the Lord
Ephesians 6:10-11 tells us that we must, “…be strengthened in the Lord and in the strength of his power.” While the majority of the time that seems a lot easier said than done, I think most, if not all, believers in Jesus would say that they only made it through hard battles by trusting God’s Word, knowing that it says the Lord walks with us and fights our battles with us.
The enemy does not have the final say in your life. Like Ephesians 6:11 instructs us, “Clothe yourselves with the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
You’ll learn more about the armor of God on another day. But spoiler alert, my two favorite pieces are the Shield of Faith and the Belt of Truth. I pray you start strapping on the armor of God to remind everyone, especially the enemy, that none of his schemes will prevail over our God, the Lord Almighty. Amen.
