Download LifeDate Summer 2021
by Lynette Auch, President of National Lutherans For Life
NOISE! It is deafening and scary! If one gives even a little attention to anything going on in America and in the world today, it is quite evident that the noise is the age old spiritual battle of good versus evil.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
The fight for the sanctity of life has always been a spiritual battle, but it seems the evil forces have “upped the ante” over the last year. Or maybe not. Perhaps our spiritual eyes are being opened wider to see the evil more clearly.
Either way, fear seems to be the result. Fear is a powerful motivator, as we have all witnessed. (Fear, uncertainty, and doubt, wrought by Satan, have caused havoc of disastrous proportions worldwide.)
F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real). It seems to be an appropriate acronym, fitting right in line with the “father of lies” (Satan). The “father of lies” is very clever and has been weaving his lies for centuries and accusing God’s children, trying to make us more fearful. The more “NOISE” and “False Evidence” Satan makes and tells, the more fearful we become.
As a nurse, much of my job includes educating the people that I care for. That education may relate to a procedure, medication, proper care and nutrition for the body, or even the process of labor and delivery of a newborn baby. Fear often comes from the unknown. Therefore, education and knowledge are power to help overcome feelings of fear and suffering.
It is no different for the Christian. Our Heavenly Father knows this and sent the Holy Spirit to comfort us in our fears and enlighten us in the truths of God’s Holy Word, which includes donning the whole armor of God to stand as sentries.
“[B]e strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil … Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm … praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:10-18).
“As members of God’s holy, priestly people we are soldiers of Christ engaged in spiritual warfare with him on planet earth (cf. 1 Timothy 1:19, 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:3-4, 4-7). As Christ’s soldiers our duty is to protect ourselves and others by doing sentry duty, guarding the holy territory which Christ has conquered. Our basic sentry duty task is to stand on guard where Christ has placed us and to stay awake as we watch against surprise attacks from the enemy (Satan and spiritual powers of darkness under his control), by praying for ourselves and others, borrowing Christ’s priestly armor and God’s Word (our only offensive weapon).” From Australian Lutheran College Course Book for “Lutheran Spirituality” by Rev. Dr. John W. Kleinig.*
How comforting! We should have no fear! God has got this! All we have to do is keep our armor on and stand as sentries in prayer! God’s Word tells us numerous times, “FEAR NOT”!
“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you” (Luke 10:19).
Tune out the NOISE of the lies, bury yourself deep into God’s Word of truth, and go forth with the life-affirming message, donned in Christ’s priestly armor and standing as sentry in prayer!
*www.johnkleinig.com/files/3013/8984/3619/SpirCourse_09.pdf, pages 53, 54
How Firm a Foundation
How firm a foundation, O saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He has said
Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?
Fear not! I am with you, O be not dismayed,
For I am your God and will still give you aid;
I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
LSB 728
Based on Isaiah 28:16; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 43:1-7; 2 Corinthians 12:9
Great “Fear Not!” verses