Yes—you are in a battle.

You might see it. Maybe you don’t.

Perhaps your anger flares, you lose control, your heart is broken, or you feel isolated. The enemy is trying to gain a victory.

Reject defeat.

Through Christ you can win.

Purpose in your heart that God’s love will work in you to conquer doubt, fear, and distress.

Fight.

Keep fighting.

Don’t give up.

God will provide the power and strength. The right methods. Keep going back to him. Every minute if you have to.

From Him come understanding and knowledge. Our struggles aren’t merely with people we face daily, but against the forces of darkness arrayed against us at various levels.

Combat is divided into three areas: tactical, operational, and strategic.

Tactical battles are directly in front of us, easy to see. Examples include internal conflicts with yourself, family, friends, co-workers, or bosses.

Operational battles seem hazier, even a bit foggy. They are indirect engagements—perhaps people you influence like grandchildren, your adult children’s co-workers, church leadership, or organizations you support.

Strategic battles can be difficult to grasp or comprehend unless you refocus your brain. This final level is the big picture, where you’re one small part of a complex puzzle. Imagine regional or national levels.

Whatever level your battle occupies, take your broken heart to the Father. Lug your failures, conflicts, tears, sorrows and sadness into His presence. He’ll listen. Provide new perspective. Flood your heart with peace, joy, resolution, and understanding. He created the marvelous puzzle of life, each intricate piece and connection. The best solution to molding the pieces together comes from Him.

Start again. Be that renewed person in Christ. A Christian warrior. Fight the battle against darkness.

Lay down the old self, the mistakes, and the regrets.

Win.

Aaron M. Zook, Jr.

The Isle of Intrigue

Aaron M. Zook, Jr. is a multiple-award-winning author and speaker. He’s thrilled thousands with his YA Christian mystery/adventure series about two inquisitive brothers and their dogs who solve one crisis after another around the world. Aaron is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and lives with his wife, Joyce, in Texas.