June 18

2 Samuel 3:1 (ESV)
There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker.

In our microwave society that has made fast food available in our kitchens in our restaurants and even in our cars, I think we have taken this attitude and expectation to the spirit realm and spiritual warfare. Some “bind” satan and expect him to stop doing what he is doing. I am not saying that we don’t have spiritual authority, we do, but it isn’t always as easy as a 30 second flare prayer.

David was anointed and confirmed by God to be King – right? Then why did he have to fight? For that matter, Israel had been given the land of Canaan by God but they had to fight, and it didn’t end in a few days! In fact it went on for years and the Bible gives us a clue into why. It basically says that Israel couldn’t handle it if the Lord gave them the land all at once. I think the same is true for David. David had to “cut his teeth” and this long war with a challenging and opposing king and commander, helped David become who he became, the greatest King that Israel ever knew.

The longer the battle went on, the stronger David got! Notice that is says his opponent got weaker, but he got stronger! The battle is not suppose to weary us, it is suppose to strengthen us! If we are getting weak, then either we are opposing God or we are forgetting God. Our tendency is to fight and then rest before the battle is finished – friends – it is a long war and it never ends! Each battle we fight will have a conclusion, but our war with our own flesh, the worldly system and the principalities and powers and rulers in darkness will never end! Don’t lose heart! Keep fighting! God is with you - you have the anointing! He has crowned you and purposed you to win! You WILL grow stronger and stronger in battle, while your opponents will grow weaker and weaker. Look back at some of your old battles, see how your opponents are weak and you have triumphed? It will be the same for your future! Stand and fight!