Life is warfare; not a fun-fare. Even newborns understand this, so they cry the moment they are born into this world. Job 14:1 says, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” Apostle Paul described his Christian journey as a ‘fight’. He said, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Timothy 4:7 KJV. In Psalm 144:1-2 David said, “Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: [2] My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.” These men had no illusions of what life is about. They all understood it was imperative to engage the Lord of Host, the Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle (Psalm 24:7-10), in order to win the battles of life. Engaging the Lord of Host in our live’s battles involves three major principles.
First, we can and must engage the Lord of Host by prayer. A classic illustration of this is in Exodus 17:8-16; at the battle of Rephidim, where Amalek fought against Israel. Although Israel had no experience in warfare at this time, the bible says Israel prevailed as long as Moses’ hand was up in prayer; “And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. [13] And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.” Exodus 17:11,13 KJV. When we pray heaven responds. Jesus said, “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?” Matthew 26:53. God is committed to avenging his people speedily when they pray. Luke 18:7,8
It’s also clear from scriptures that we can enlist the Lord of Host in our lives battles by giving Him quality praise and worship. 2 Chronicles 20:22 says, “And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.” It was the shout of alleluia that brought down the walls of Jericho in the book of Joshua chapter 6. In Acts 16: 25 and 26 we are told, “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bands were loosed.” When we praise Him, he comes down to fight for us. God inhabits the praises of his people. Psalm 22:3
The third factor is sacrifice. I mean going beyond your comfort zone to please or obey God. Whenever we sacrifice, God blesses us. In response to the sacrifice of Noah in Genesis 8:20, God said, “…I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake… neither will I again smite any more everything living, as I have done. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest… shall not cease.” Genesis 8:21,22. In response to Abraham’s obedience to give Isaac as a burnt sacrifice, God said “… in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, … and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies…” Genesis 22:17. The divine turnaround recorded in Psalm 126 is rooted in sacrifice. Verses 5 and 6 say, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” All-round victory awaits you as you apply these principles in Jesus name. Amen!