Victory?

When I wrote this, FirstNLR (and participating churches) had been at war for 11 days. Naturally, when I get involved in something, I study it. At the recommendation of a pastor, I ordered a book titled Victory in Spiritual Warfare Bible Study Book: Field Guide for Battle by Tony Evans.

The author asked an interesting question that took some thinking on my part.

“What specifically would be different about the way you thought about spiritual warfare if you believed the victory was already decided?”

I’ve read Revelation. It’s decided.

I did have to think about it. Every fight already won as soon as it started. If you’re an anime/manga fan, I’m thinking All Might. A Deux ex Machina that’s so overpowered it’s already won. Only one shot needed.

Or think Superman.

And we don’t have to try harder, just believe harder in what God’s already done. I’ve flexed in front of a mirror, and I can’t beat any tangible thing in a fight, never mind the spiritual. Fortunately, it’s not up to us in our power.

It’s God.

With this on my mind, I’m thinking about what’s going on behind the scenes more in the spiritual realm. I’m also trying to balance that with what C.S Lewis said about the Devil in The Screwtape Letters.

“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.”

I watched an argument try to erupt in the street. I wondered, were two evil entities whispering in their ears, egging them on for their viewing pleasure. Like kids on the playground shouting, “FIGHT! FIGHT!”

I’ve also seen attitudes start to shift at work. Tension isn’t as present, and people are less defensive and more accommodating.

My wife’s car was egged — the only one on our street. I know, because I checked when I ran one morning. Why? We have no beef with any of our neighbors.

Just a single broken egg splattered on it, under the Every Soul Matters To God sticker.

Coincidence?

Maybe.

Our church in New York was set on fire. That was a counterattack in this fight. What was intended to be evil will be and has already been used for good. The town rallied around the church.

Either way, the battle is won. And good triumphs.