How Do We Battle Well?

written by Chris Hartenstein and J. A. Hart

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - John 10:10

Throughout his ministry, Jesus is very intentional and clear to communicate that there will be a fight for us to have life!

There's no doubt that the invasion of Jesus coming to earth, His death, and His resurrection were the keys to battle against Satan's assault on humanity (Romans 6:1-11). Yet, there is more to the Story. Presently, our Heavenly Dad wants us to battle alongside Him as intimate allies. He won the war, but there are battles we must fight. Why? Because we have enemies- one within (our sin nature) and one without (Satan and the World). They will not go away easily. They work against us at every turn on the path of our journey.

Jesus came and won the war for our freedom! (Luke 4, ISA. 61) The Hebrew word for freedom, Cherut, means the "freedom to be who we were created to be." This is the freedom humans experienced dwelling in the garden. This is the kind of freedom our enemy fiercely opposes- the kind we must fight for. It comes at a cost and is only sustained by hypervigilance. Our Father knows this. He knows we cannot fight alone, nor can we fight without key weapons and strategies that only He provides for us.

So, how do we battle well? How do we find Cherut?

Here are some simple but fundamental ways to receive His help, putting the tools He provides into practice.
 
> Stay alert - Never let your guard down. Our enemy hates everything good in this world; We must be vigilant. Like David in Psalms 139, ask your heavenly Dad, "Where is my heart?" He will show where you are and give you what you need to battle well.

> Know your enemy.  We have an enemy within that is our sinful nature (Romans 7:7-25). As well as enemies without - Satan, the World, our culture; all of which oppose us daily. We must be aware of what enemy we face (fear, lust, envy, etc.). We must know our wounds, and we must know what tactics are being used against us.
 
> Know what you are fighting for.  We fight for freedom, healing, wholeness, goodness, truth, the Kingdom of our Father, and the hearts of His kids.
 
> Be humble; ask for help. This is key. There are ancient paths before us, paved by those who have fought well. Ask them for their training and help.

> Battle alongside a community.  An isolated soldier is a deadman. The enemies lie to us, saying, "No one cares." or "You're the problem." Rebuke those lies. Develop your band of brothers and people of peace to fight alongside you through life.

> Have a specific strategy and weapons.  Prayer and scripture are two weapons that our Heavenly Dad gives to us. They work directly against the enemy within and without. Talk to Him, listen to His voice, and seek guidance from His word.

> Always remember to keep these two words at the forefront of your mind: awareness and intentionality. (1 Peter 5:8 - alert and sober-minded)  Everything we have discussed falls under these two truths. Be aware of your surroundings, yourself, and your enemy. As well as who your allies are and of your Dad's spirit. Be intentional around your strategy, your heart, your actions, your thoughts.

Finally, remember your greatest weapon is staying intimate with your heavenly Dad; asking, listening, and following Him. He has already won and knows how to defeat our enemies. Battle well, my brothers and sisters. There is much at stake!  

Calibration:
How do you battle? Why did you choose to fight that way? How has it worked out for you?  

Do you go to your Dad and ask for His help? Do you intently listen to His voice?  

What are the big things you are battling? Why are they a fight?

PRAY - Ask your Dad and yourself...who/what is the enemy? What is my strategy? What are my tools? Who are my allies?

Key Truths:
Romans 5:1-11
Ephesians 6:10 - 18
1 Peter 5:8
Revelation 12:17
Romans 7:7-25