WAR (09/11/2013) To Publications / Articles - WAR (09/11/2013)

Posted 7/16/14
Laura Hazelip

This Means War! is the title of a 1987 song by Petra. The rally cry is old but still timely: “This means war and the battle's still raging, War and though both sides are waging, The Victor is sure and the victory secure, But till judgment we all must endure, This means war!”

Every summer as I pray over the upcoming co-op year, the Lord is faithful to give me a Scripture to guide the upcoming nine months. There have been some years when that verse has been supported in unique ways, confirming to me what the Lord spoke.  Other years, it has remained just between the Lord and me, with no further need of validation. While praying for this year, I felt led to share that Scripture.  Initially I was hesitant because it felt like I would be sharing a secret that God gave to me, but He has continued to work on my heart, confirming His leading through conversations with others.  I realized there was no denying what He wanted, so I share….. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Eph. 6:12)

So are we ready? Are we ready for WAR?

Each year holds new temptations, trials, deceptions and accusations. We can take the offensive position, tearing down the strongholds that have been formed against us, and also the defensive position by guarding ourselves against the tactics of the devil.  Both positions must be strong. After all, the best offense,  is a good defense.

A stronghold is formed when deception takes root in our hearts and minds.  A common stronghold for homeschoolers occurs when we believe the lie that everyone is doing a better job than us. Soon the deception becomes temptation to sin against God.  It is easy to be tempted when we see the bait instead of the hook behind it. God’s Word helps us to see the bait and avoid it when we are hooked into Him.

To fight deception we can use the belt of truth -- our offense -- to guard our hearts. The sword of the Spirit is our defensive weapon to tear down the strongholds (Eph. 6:14, 17). To resist the tempter, we must draw near to God. The closer we are to Him, the less power the tempter has over us.

So, we head into a new school year. What will make this year different? What will make it special? This will be the year we fight purposefully together, shoulder to shoulder! From day one, let us fight for our schooling, our homes, our ministries, our families and our marriages!  As you make your stand in the trenches for your sphere of life, we are behind you. As you make your stand against the fiery darts of the enemy, we are behind you……praying, loving and doing what we can, because I want you there for me too!

So let’s hear the rally cry! THIS MEANS WAR!!

Finally, Brethren,  whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report—if there is any virtue and if there is anything  praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8)