Yet in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.   –Rom 8:37

The story of our salvation does not conclude after baptism. More than anything, it is the beginning of our new role as a Christian soldier, and our daily living will often engage in spiritual warfare. These are battles between the flesh and the spirit; the tension between the will of God and the snares of temptation.

We often give in to our desires, fall into temptations, find ourselves returning from the battlefield sorely wounded; and leaving behind a mocking and scornful enemy. Then we kneel before God saying, “Lord, forgive me, I am weak. I am but dust.” The merciful God gently binds up our wounds and heals us, only to find that history repeats itself, and we are back to where we first started.

Can we ever become victors in this spiritual warfare?

The answer to that is a resounding YES. Scripture tells us that we are more than conquerors, and this can only be possible through Him who loves us. As David recalled in one of his psalms:

            The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God my strength, in whom I trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies. –Ps 18:2, 3

Victory in spiritual warfare begins when we first have the determination not to give way to our enemies. How can we ask the Lord for help when we are not willing to overcome our fleshly desires and temptations? Soldiers of Christ are required to discipline and control the desires of the flesh, which are contrary to the Bible.

Most importantly, reliance on Jesus Christ will deliver us from the darts of the enemy. It is only through Him and by no other means can we be victorious. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, the life.” By walking on this narrow but correct way to salvation, which He opened for us; by obeying the truth in Scriptures, which He inspired; and by abiding in the life that He sacrificed, we are on the right track to fighting a triumphant battle.

Therefore, let us march on with boldness and determination in this life of faith. For through Him, we are more than conquerors.

Questions for Reflection

1.       As soldiers of God’s army, we also need to put on the armor of God. Have we equipped ourselves with the full armor? Have we girded our waist with truth?

2.       How strong is our breastplate of righteousness and our shield of faith? Have we trained with our sword of the Spirit?