Bring It On

I remember a conversation with a friend a few months ago. The subject was that of spiritual warfare, against the powers, principalities, rulers of the darkness of this world… And we each held two quite different viewpoints.

His is certainly easier to live, for he wished that the war wouldn’t come his way. He had experienced some of the wickedness and wanted no more of it, which is understandable.

My take on the war, however, is different, and I confess to my shame that I don’t really live out my views. Inwardly, I feel like Robbie in War of the Worlds, not only wanting to fight but also willing to forsake all to do so.

What have I to lose? Biblically, I am more than a conqueror through Jesus. If the war was a video game, the armor Jesus affords us is the ultimate cheat code, rendering us representatives of the Father, ambassadors of Christ on Earth, girded with Truth, armed with Scripture and protected by Faith. The firey darts of Satan cannot penetrate this armor, and thus we are more than conquerors.

With divine authority we can cast out demons, with divine Truth we can rend asunder the lies of this world, and with divine commission we can go forth, warning those around us of the impending judgment.

But many of us have become passive or, God forbid, apathetic toward these duties. We have changed our focus from the spiritual to the temporal–war becomes political change and debate, fear of persecution has changed to fear of loss of our earthly treasures.

The war isn’t going away, and many well-meaning Christians are in for a surprise when we no longer see through a glass darkly.

Unlike temporal warfare, though, this isn’t a war for us to fear. As I already stated, we couldn’t be any more victorious for Christ has already won and granted us part in that victory.

This is a war that, when faced, will shape us, mold us to be more Christlike. Its trials and tribulations will strengthen us, and as we take authority over the Wicked One and attack his influence, souls will be saved, for he will lose his grip. Cage the lion, and those in the lion’s den may walk out freely. It has been said that this is a war for souls. I couldn’t agree more.

I didn’t come lookin’ for trouble
And I don’t want to fight needlessly
But I’m not gonna hide in a bubble
If trouble comes for me
I can feel my heart beating faster
I can tell something’s coming down
But if it’s gonna make me grow stronger then…

Bring it on
Let the lightning flash, let the thunder roll, let the storm winds blow
Bring it on
Let the trouble come, let the hard rain fall, let it make me strong
Bring it on

Now, maybe you’re thinkin’ I’m crazy
And maybe I need to explain some things
‘Cause I know I’ve got an enemy waiting
Who wants to bring me pain
But what he never seems to remember
What he means for evil God works for good
So I will not retreat or surrender

Bring it on
Let the lightning flash, let the thunder roll, let the storm winds blow
Bring it on
Let the trouble come, let the hard rain fall, let it make me strong
Bring it on

Now, I don’t want to sound like some hero
‘Cause it’s God alone that my hope is in
But I’m not gonna run from the very things
That would drive me closer to Him
So bring it on

Bring it on
Let the lightning flash, let the thunder roll, let the storm winds blow
Bring it on
Let the trouble come, let it make me fall on the One who’s strong
Bring it on
Let the lightning flash, let the thunder roll, let the storm winds blow
Bring it on
Let me be made weak so I’ll know the strength of the One who’s strong
Bring it on
Bring it on

Steven Curtis Chapman’s “Bring It On”

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