Strategic Weapons of War

Strategic Weapons of War

By Pastor Gary Wayne

Text: Romans 8:28, Isaiah 30:15

I love what the first part of this verse tell us.
But the last of this verse is scarry, mostly because I can relate to that part of me that when I’m in the middle of a conflict, I resist quietness, and rest.
Why do we do this? There are many different reasons, but this morning I want to look at how to break myself out of that resistance to God.
To look at some tools God gives us to war against our enemy. (Me or Satan)

Why does the enemy bring trials, pain into my life?
1. He knows that in hurting me it hurts God.

2. What negative things can problems produce in me? Frustration, anxiety, doubt, self-centeredness, fear and anger.

Satan might not get me to quit God outright, but if he can get my heart to doubt God a little at a time then he can keep me from hearing from God for what I need.
Has God said? If He loved you He would… You are on your own.

The presence of fear (anxiety) in my life is evidence that I am lacking the love of God somewhere in my life.
1Jo 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

The presence of fear points to a lack of Father’s love in me. If I truly had faith that God is working all things for good, I will relax in the middle of a storm.
When I recognize the presence of fear, for me, I know the answer is to go into Father’s presence and ask questions.
Where is this coming from? What lie am I believing? Where have I set down the Father’s love that casts out fear?

There are some strategies to wage war against this whole mindset.
I want the presence of trials to cause me to move into the presence of God.
If I allow the enemy’s attack on me to move me into meditating on the word of God, imagining what God can do through this time, empowering my prayers in faith, I believe the enemy will get frustrated at bringing problems into my life.
When I recognize fear, ask, “What am I afraid of?” Then find scripture about that.

James 1 says the trials we face, can produce patience in me depending on my attitude. If I will allow the enemy's tactics to move me into the presence of God I win, he loses.

I want to become good at: allowing problems to cause me to meditate on God’s Word, allowing fear to push me into worship of God, every situation that's designed for anxiety to cause me to meditate on the lordship of God.

Jas 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
But without that knowing, the storm does what the enemy wants. I become a pawn just being pushed around instead of a strategic playing piece to wreak havoc on the enemy's territory.

Rom.8:28
“And we know that…” How can we know? In-between this verse is ver. 26 & 34.
Ver.26 “the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us…”
Ver.34 “Christ…makes intercession for us.”

Ver.29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,
Conformed here refers to conformity that comes from the inside out, internal transformation rooted in a shared identity.

Ro 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
Conformed here refers to a more superficial or external conformity—putting on a particular outward expression but not necessarily changing the inner reality.

Jam.1:4 “…let patience have it's perfect work ....”
I have a choice - If I have to go through this, let it count for good!

Phil.4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Isa.26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.