DECEMBER 19 1 Kings 8:44, 45

PRAYING IN TIMES OF BATTLE

Imagine you are a soldier engaged in a fierce battle. This battle is dangerous and the enemy is scheming and cunning. Your life is in danger. You have the best armour for protection and safety, and your weapons are of the best technology. But having all this protective gear, and battle weapons
does not guarantee victory over this clever enemy. What is your battle plan? Solomon’s prayer records the winning strategy for us!

There are two aspects that you must be sure of, in order to be confident of victory.

1. You must be sure that this battle is the LORD’s. He is the one who sends you to the fight! (v44) If you are fighting for any other reason, such as to take revenge or for your own private agenda, then you can be sure that you are very much alone in your battle. If it is
not the LORD’s battle, He is not with you, and you are sure to be defeated.
2. You must pray to the LORD. (v45) Even though you may have all the nice moves, advanced weaponry, and best armour, without prayer and dependence upon God, you will still fail. Pray always! Depend and trust in the LORD! Your strength will fail, but in
the strength of the LORD, there is victory. This must be your battle plan!

So the question is: are you really fighting a battle? Make no mistake; you are in the midst of a raging battle! Your battle is one of a daily fight and struggle against temptation, sin, and false teachings of the Bible. It is dangerous because it is a battle for your soul. The outcome will not just determine life and death. Rather, eternal life or eternal death. And your enemy is the most intelligent deceiver and tempter, a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Satan has succeeded in fooling many people into hell. Will you also be his victim?

Keep praying! The battle never stops until we reach heaven!

Thought: As Solomon prayed for Israel, I too must pray always for my JW class and my own spiritual fight. The LORD will fight for His people.
Prayer: Father in heaven, this battle that You have sent me to fight is difficult and I often struggle. Grant me perseverance, faith, and courage. Help me to trust in You and to draw strength from Your Word. Maintain Your cause, for Your own name’s sake. In Jesus’ name, Amen.