When people are at battle and are getting low on resources then there is need for more. Not just any resources, but usually armaments or more soldiers. The reinforcements are not just there to make up for what has been lost, or to simply provide support, but to help ensure victory instead of defeat. Though we have probably mostly only heard this as a line often quoted in movies, it is actually a very real and present need that we face!
We are in a spiritual war! We fight battles on almost a daily basis, and as we do such we must not only be prepared to fight, but also recognize our need for reinforcements to remain victorious. What is temporary and fake is what we see with our eyes, but what is real and everlasting are the spiritual forces which we deal with. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness…” (Ephesians 6:12)
We need reinforcements of our mind and spirit. That is why we must not be slack in accepting the reinforcements that God has provided. “for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.” What has such power? The word of God! “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit…” (Hebrews 4:12) Every day we spend reading, studying, and meditating upon the word of God is a day our spirits are reinforced with the power of God. (Romans 1:16) Also, the church being a pillar and support of the truth (I Timothy 3:15) is a support and reinforcement to our faith and faithfulness. It is our purpose in assembling together to encourage “one another”. To reject the church, reject the brethren in Christ, is to reject the reinforcements God has provided us to stand firm against the devil, his evil forces, and wicked ways.
But we must realize that it is not only adults who are engaged in this war, but our children as well. The devil does not discriminate against age, and he is trying to conquer the minds of children as early and as often as he can. That is why we as parents must provide reinforcements for our children. Just because we have told or taught our children something once, doesn’t mean we never need to again. They, just like us, forget the things they have learned if the parents do not continually reinforce the teaching. That is why God tells parents to, “teach them (His commands) diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up…” (Deuteronomy 6:7) Continual reinforcement! That is why as you read the book of Proverbs so many of the Proverbs seem to be speaking on the same subjects; because the father is instructing the son and reinforcing the teaching many different times and in different ways so as to build that stalwart of wisdom in the heart of his son. We would be wise to understand and use the same method for the sake and security of our childrens' souls.
Without reinforcements it is inevitable that our souls be battle worn and torn; that we become weakened by temptations constant onslaught. If we do not think we or our children need reinforcements then this is a war Satan has already won. If we know we need them, but do not accept or utilize them, then this is a war that Satan has already won. But if we daily reinforce our souls, and those of our children, with the armaments of God, then this is a war Satan CANNOT win! Faith, a faith that is living, growing, and strengthened by reinforcement, is the victory!
By David Osteen via Grace Gazzette, October 31, 2010 Volume 5 Article 48
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