The National Geographic ran an article about the Alaskan bull moose. The males of the species battle for dominance during the fall breeding season, literally going head-to-head with antlers crunching together as they collide. Often the antlers, their only weapon, are broken, which ensures defeat.
The heftiest moose, with the largest and strongest antlers, triumphs. Therefore, the battle fought in the fall is really won during the summer, when the moose eat continually. The one that consumes the best diet for growing antlers and gaining weight will be the heavyweight in the fight. Those that eat inadequately sport weaker antlers and less bulk. (Ilustrations for Teaching/Preaching by Craig Larson, p. 236).
Let’s learn from analogy. We will face future spiritual battles. Satan will choose a season to attack us both individually and as a church. According to John 10:10, Satan’s design is “to steal, to kill, and to destroy.” Here is the question: How can we be victorious over the one who is “walking around, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:7)?
The answer? Spiritual disciplines. As an individual Christian and as a spiritual family of believers, we receive our spiritual nourishment from reading GOD’s Word and also spending time in prayer. We exercise the spiritual discipline of reading the Bible and spending time in prayer every day. JESUS reminds us in Matthew 4:4: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of GOD.” A daily prayer life is also critical, as Paul reminds us in I Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing.”
Being unprepared for the evil attacks of Satan can result in spiritually catastrophic results. We must prepare for the upcoming battles – as individuals and as a church family. The spiritual disciples of daily Bible reading and daily prayer are the key. GOD uses both in our lives to empower us to win the battle – to experience the victory!
Pastor Mike