Battle Changes You

When you've been to war with the enemy, it changes you. The spiritual fight is intense, and you go from being on the defense to somewhere along the way, the fight changes, the tables turn, and you begin to bring the rage towards the powers of darkness. You find your authority, pull the sling and stones from your pockets, and begin flinging them at the Giant in your sight. But that war... it changes you forever.

For me, I spent so long in the valleys and wildernesses I wondered if I would ever see the mountaintop again. But once I caught a glimmer of the peak, I wondered if I would ever be the same again. I tried to walk back into the spaces I had once filled, resume life in the hopes that my memory of normal would be again. The catch-ups, the coffees, the prayer sessions... but nothing felt the same. It no longer felt like my safe space, my comfortable, my regular. That's when I began to realize that once you've fought the fight from darkness, you're forever changed.

You see people differently, your heart is more open to the lost and hurting, you understand and hold compassion for their suffering. You drop the judgment and leave that part up to God. You hold a newfound trust and relationship with the Holy Spirit, and you KNOW the power and authority you wield with the only name that matters... JESUS.

The battle may have changed me, but the person that has come out of it knows who they belong to. They are ready for what they know is ahead but they also know that the Victory has already been won. They no longer share from their wounds but from the scars that remain and tell the story of each battle they have fought and won. These scars are a testament to the strength and resilience that comes from walking through the fire and emerging purified. The pain and struggle have forged a deeper connection with God, a reliance on His promises, and an unshakeable faith that no storm can dismantle.

Every confrontation with darkness has taught me to wield the weapons of faith, prayer, and the Word with confidence. The once timid and uncertain spirit is now bold and unwavering, empowered by the knowing that the Lord is a mighty warrior who fights alongside me. The person I have become through these battles is a living testament to God's grace and power. No longer bound by fear or doubt, I step forward with courage, knowing that the same God who delivered me before will continue to guide and protect me in every future battle.

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

I never thought I would be at the point to say this but, these battles have not only changed me; they have prepared me. They have equipped me with the wisdom and strength needed to face what lies ahead, knowing that I do not fight alone and that the ultimate victory is already mine through Christ.

If you're anything like me, I once missed the woman that I was. I longed to see her again as if by being her again I would feel a sense of normalcy. But that woman wasn't equipped for the time she is living in. She needed to learn how to fight, to conquer, to trust, and to wield the power her purpose needs to gain territory and declare the name of Jesus to the world. Dear One, you are going to feel battle weary, but you also have a Savior who offers you rest:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. - Matthew 11:28-30

Take heart dear ones, for every battle has prepared you for such a time as this. And always remember, you are never alone in the fight. The Lord is with you, guiding and strengthening you every step of the way. And if I could ask you to remember one thing… remember your authority and use it! Don’t give the enemy one inch.

Love,

Sarah, xx.

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Heavenly Father, Almighty Warrior, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and awe. Thank You for the battles we have faced and the strength You have given us to overcome them. Lord, we acknowledge that without You, we are nothing, but with You, we are mighty warriors equipped for every challenge.

Fill us with Your power and presence. Let us remember that every scar tells a story of Your faithfulness and our victory through You. When we feel battle weary, remind us of the rest You offer. Empower us to walk boldly in the authority of Your name, ready to declare Your glory to the world.

Lord, fortify our spirits with Your Word, sharpen our faith with Your truth, and guide our steps with Your wisdom. As we step into each new battle, let us do so with the confidence that You have already won the victory for us. Let Your peace, which transcends all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

In the powerful and mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.