A Campaign for Eternity

Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines a campaign as:

1. a connected series of military operations forming a distinct phase of a war
2. a connected series of operations designed to bring about a particular result

This is a campaign year. As a country, we are besieged by campaign activity as we move closer to electing a new president.

But, as Laurie reminded us last week during Bible Study, there is another campaign going on – one that never ends. The devil has put together a campaign against me — a well-planned, well-organized “operation” with the goal of detouring – no, ruining – my walk with the Lord.

I had never thought of the enemy planning against me in this way. It is disturbing to think that in the spiritual realm, there is a very real being that plots against me. Although the enemy is not omniscient, he knows my weaknesses and has a specific strategy to exploit them. He knows I try to rely on my own strength when I feel challenged. He knows I fall into a downward spiral of anxiety and depression when I feel overwhelmed or discouraged. He knows how I battle fear. He knows we are all still in this world, a broken, dark, and evil world, and that our flesh identifies with the world. He knows all of this, and he schemes against us all.

BUT GOD…

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God… (Eph. 2:4-8).

Praise God for His mercy and grace, for pursuing me, for redeeming me, for having a plan for my life!

So, how do we resist the lies of Satan’s campaign to detour us? I am praying for the boldness to launch a campaign myself – for the Lord. I read 1 Chronicles 16:8-24 in my homework for In the Garden this morning, and I was convicted by these verses:

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! (1 Chron. 16:8)

…tell of his wondrous works! (1 Chron. 16:9)

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (1 Chron. 16:11)

Remember the wondrous works that he has done… (1 Chron. 16:12)

Remember his covenant forever… (1 Chron. 16:15)

Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! (1 Chron. 16:23-24)

I was struck by all of these actions! May they comprise my campaign:

~ give thanks for my countless blessings

~ make known what the Lord has done for me

~ tell others about Jesus

~ seek God daily in His Word

~ remember God’s goodness and steadfast love

~ declare His glory!

It is indeed an important year for our country, and two very serious campaigns are underway for our votes. Let us remember there is another type of campaign that is being waged against us personally, where the stakes are eternal. Let us launch a counter-campaign, a campaign for eternity, where we declare the glory of God.

Growing in Grace