Battle by Holding Your Peace
By Albert Friend
I served my country for three years from 1947 to 1950 in what was then the United States Army Air Force. It grew so big during World War II that it was too large to be under one command, so they divided it into two separate branches. Then I was in the United States Air Force. I was 17 years old when I was inducted, and 20 when I was honorably discharged.
From the day I passed my physical exam, I was the military’s responsibility. They took care of all my physical needs. They provided me with a place to live, which had in it an army cot with bedding, a foot locker for my small things, and all the food I could eat. A sign in the chow hall read, “Take all you want, but eat all you take.” Some called it the mess hall. They gave me $75 per month for other things. They schooled me and promoted me.
The discipline of it all was good for me. The discipline of God is much better for me.
Paul said, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand… Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” (Ephesians 6:13, 16).
God provides the equipment of spiritual food, wages, weapons, and armor to fight His battle. God is saying to the weary—do not fight alone. It is not your battle nor is it safe to fight alone. Give your battle to God. He wants it.
Satan wants to get at Him through you. Satan has done this in every generation.
God wants us to know that no soldier in warfare against Satan pays his own way. The battle is the Lord's. The soldier gives himself to the fight of trusting and obeying. It is God's battle and Man is God’s helper. When you go it alone, you run out of fighting power. When you trust and obey, everything is provided by the One you are fighting for. Give God what He wants. Resist. Trust Him.
ninetyandnine.com
© 2007, Albert Friend
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Albert Friend is a 77-year-old minister of 57 years. He lives in Hamilton, Ohio, with his wife, Jean. They had four children: Albert, Michael, Bonnie, and Mark. All four children went into the ministry.