Dearly Beloved,
Christians are daily faced with temptations, oppositions, demonic influences and attacks but the assurance provided by Jehovah Nissi is enough to encourage us to stand firm in the Lord for our victories are guaranteed..
Jehovah Nissi means the Lord our banner. Banner is a symbol of victory and freedom from battles.
When faced with difficult situation or trial, Christians do respond in either of the following two ways:
1. Trust the Lord: Proverbs 3:5-6—Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
2. Be troubled, doubtful, distressed, or angry: Exodus 17:8-The faith meter is running low for the Lord’s people and their “anger” thermometer is boiling over. There was no water at Rephidim (Exodus 17:1). Israel wonders if the Lord is among them.
Beloved, when our circumstances overwhelm us, we put ourselves in a situation where we begin to weaken in our faith and in our trust in the Lord. We start wondering, “Where is God? Does He really care about me or not?” We begin to question His concern, care, and His will for us. We become a prime target too when we are spiritually weak.
1 Peter 5:8—Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.
The Almighty God is a Man of war. He has always won His battles – Ex.14:14; Ex.17:16; 1 Sam.17:1-58.
Our enemies are principalities, powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places – Eph.6:12.
We are sure of victories because His word says so – Rom.8:37; 1 Jn.5:4, and because He has defeated the devil – Isa.14:12-17.
The weapon of our warfare is the whole armor of God, including truth; righteousness; gospel of faith; salvation; the word of God; praying; and watching – Eph.6:13-18. They are not carnal but they are mighty through God – 2 Cor.10:4-6.
Other weapons are the armor of light (Rom.13:12); faith; love; and hope of salvation (1 Thess.5:8); the blood of Jesus; testimony; and self-sacrifice (Rev.12:11); angels of God (Ps.34:7); God as a wall of fire round about us (Zech.2:5).
God can use any approach to fight any battle – Ex.14:20-31; 2 Kings 6:17.
The context of 1 Peter 5 deals with trials and overcoming circumstances. Satan uses as one of his effective weapons. God’s counsel is found in verses 7, 9-10.
1 Peter 5:7—Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:9-10—Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.
But thanks be to God, which give us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 15:57
True Christian soldiers are true victors, get ready to raising your victory BANNER this June in Jesus name.
Yours in Him,
Pastor Lillian Haastrup
