Use The Sword!

By Zelma Argue

    “Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Eph. 6:17)

    We have an adversary. We are in a conflict. There is an enemy with six thousand year’s experience in attacking God’s children – who still goeth about, seeking whom he may devour. At unexpected places and times, he is seeking opportunity to injure. Therefore, we need to be sober, be vigilant.

    In many ways he is on our track with spirits of sloth, slumber, and love of ease and turning from the cross. At such times, no matter from where the temptation comes, we can remember the words of Christ: “Get thee behind Me, Satan…thou savourest not the things that be of God” (Matt. 16:23).

    Looking beyond Peter’s words, He perceived the tempter. Often when things around us oppress us, when we see snares laid for our feet, when a blanket seems to keep us from power in prayer – God can enable us to see beyond the circumstances to the wily snares of the adversary. Then it is good to face him, as Jesus did, uncover his snare, and bid him be gone! God will answer with victory as we keep our eyes on Him.

Power to Overcome

    Sometimes we are permitted to see our own failures very strongly, and they would well nigh cast us down. Certainly they would occupy our thoughts to distraction, hindering our usefulness. Some are so borne down by such consciousness of having failed to be obedient, or to walk in the light at some point, that all their tears and prayers do not appear to bring victory.

    At such times, or in the case of souls in such a position, we must get our eyes upon the power in the Blood. If there is any need of confessing, let that be taken care of, then get our eyes off our failures and onto Jesus. We are saved by His grace, and not, after all, by our works. And our victory is through the power in His name, which we can shout in the face of every foe. We are weak but He is strong!

Victorious in the Fight

    Armour, shield, and sword are given to us – and of what use are these if there is no battle? Triumphs, victories, crowns – these are won only out of conflicts. If we set our will to have the victory God wishes to give us, He will surely see us through.

    Behold, He gives us power over all the power of the adversary, “whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1 Pet. 5:9).

Victory!  Victory!
Over all the powers of darkness, Victory!
When the battle’s in array,
Angels help us in the fray,
And God fights for those who pray, Victory!

    If we hide the Word of God in our hearts, it will be there to use in the hour of need. We can use it not merely to comfort our own hearts, but knowing the power of the living God is in it, we can with its power put to flight the forces of darkness until they are routed and victory is truly ours.

    –  From The Pattern and The Evidence.