Christians are constantly in a spiritual warfare. Our flesh constantly wars with our spiritual being (Galatians 5:17). Once we accepted Christ as our Savior, the war began. We are sinful by nature. We were born into sin (Psalm 51:5). In accepting Christ as Savior, the old man, flesh, must decrease so Christ will increase in our lives (John 3:30). It is what makes us Christ followers.
Dr. Charles Stanley was known for his passion for teaching the word of God. Recently, I listened to one of his sermons where he talked about the, “Battle Before The Battle.” I chuckled when I heard it. He emphasized how the battles that we fight start in the mind first. He proclaimed if you can win that battle you do not have to fight the battle of temptation as hard.
Many times we believe the battle is temptation. Temptation is a battle. However, fighting the thought that enters into our mind that leads to the temptation is where the battle starts. If we do not entertain the sinful thoughts that come to our minds, we can win the battle before the battle.
David is a good example of winning the battle in his mind. Before he actually went to battle with Goliath, he saw himself winning. In this instance, he already knew in his mind he had the Spirit of the living God on his side. This is how he was so bold in asking KIng Saul to take on Goliath. David had the secret sauce, God’s Spirit.
We all have the secret sauce. God’s Spirit dwells in all of us (1 Corinthians 3:16, Romans 8:9). When Jesus resurrected and left the Holy Spirit with us, we have that power within us to do all things God wills for us to do. If we believe, like David, we can defeat any giant in our lives. So, when the battle in our mind begins we can shut it down. We do not have to waddle in temptation. If it comes, and many times it will rear its head, we can swat it down.
David had the confidence in God that He would give him the win. So much so, he told Goliath he would be defeated by the Spirit of the living God. He told him it would be by cutting off his head (1 Samuel . 17). That was bold and powerful! David did just that with the Spirit of the living God on his side. David won the battle before the actual battle with Goliath took place. We can, too. Amen. Love & Blessings!