Three Strategies to Survive the 2020 War in America
By Deena Adams on @deenamadams
America is at war.
Whether we’re willing soldiers engaging in combat, or hunkering down trying to stay out of the fray, we’re all affected by the insanity in our country. Even when I try to avoid the battles, the shrapnel from unrelenting explosive situations still finds its mark and cuts deep, leaving an aching wound.
I don’t know about you, but I’m tired. Tired of the fighting, of the stress, anxiety, disrespect for authority, lies, racism, hypocrisy, social distancing, church, school, and event shutdowns, political games, manipulation, disease, and every other malady we endure today.
Not only am I tired, but many times over the past few months I’ve been angry, outraged, disheartened, and discouraged. I’ve struggled to remain positive amid the overwhelming negativity. I’m sure I’m not alone.
So, how can we find hope in this tumultuous time in our world and protect ourselves from the erupting mines and damaging shrapnel flying in our faces?
As I sought God’s perspective and guidance, He revealed three strategies to implement. These actions are effective whether our battle is physical, spiritual, mental, or emotional.
1. Know Your Enemy
Before a soldier enters the battlefield, he must identify who he’s fighting against. It would be ridiculous to drop bombs on Afghanistan if Russia were the enemy.
The same is true in America today. White people are not the black community’s enemy. Black people are not the white person’s enemy. Republicans or Democrats are not our enemy. The biased media is not our enemy. The government or President of the United States is not our enemy.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12
Our enemies are Satan and the forces of evil. The battle we face in America is spiritual and must be fought in the heavenly realms. I have to remember this when I want to blame a particular person or group of individuals for an attack on my freedoms, ideals, or opinions.
2. Wear the Proper Gear
Soldiers are well prepared before facing the enemy in battle. They wear protective clothing, vests, helmets, boots, and they carry loaded weapons. Going into war unprepared and unarmed would be foolish and most likely result in serious injury or death.
As we fight the culture, race, political, and health war in America, it’s imperative we gear up properly to spiritually, mentally, and relationally survive the persistent attacks.
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:13-17
Our battle gear as believers consists of truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, our salvation, and God’s Word. Survival depends on wearing the full armor of God every day.
3. Follow Your Commander’s Marching Orders
During battle, a commanding officer instructs his soldiers. The commander has authority to give orders and does so to protect his troops and ensure victory. If a soldier doesn’t follow commands but takes an alternate route, carries out their own plan, or goes AWOL, the entire squad suffers the consequences, along with the country they represent.
As Christians, we have marching orders from our Commander—the One who sees and knows the schemes of the enemy and how to defeat his attacks.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:10-11, 18
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13
Constant prayer, combined with love and service to others, is the believer’s secret weapon to destroy our enemy.
So, when we are shouting at the news anchor, tempted to spew an angry reply on social media, or we’re spiraling into depression, may we remember who our real enemy is and stand firm as faithful soldiers in God’s army, suited up, prayed up, and ready to serve in love.
This is where our hope lies.
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Join the conversation. Have you struggled to stay positive during 2020? What tactics have you found helpful to fight our spiritual enemies? Share something positive you’ve witnessed recently.
If you found this post encouraging or helpful, please share with others on social media.
Deena Adams
As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true to life stories. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and is a multi-award-winning writer, an active ACFW member, and ACFW Virginia president. Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
16 Comments
Janet
This was a good reminder of who is the real enemy in this world that has gone insane! The Lord is our only hope.
Deena Adams
Thanks for reading and commenting, Janet. And yes, Jesus is our only hope! May His perfect will be done.
Audra Sanlyn
Thank you for this reminder, Deena. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve wanted to scream, “It’s common sense!” from the top of a mountain. But every individual has a different background, a different perspective. And in the end, God will have the last word.
Deena Adams
I’m right there with you! My poor husband has had an earful since I’ve tried to refrain from saying much publicly or on social media. So hard to keep quiet with so much going on but I know the slightest comment can cause a firestorm. Better to stick to positive messages and spread hope in Christ! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Lori Altebaumer
So true! Our battle is with spiritual forces, not flesh and blood. It is easy to be distract from that truth by the chaos swirling around us, but when we see and know who it is we really are at war with, we become focused warriors. Thanks for this great reminder.
Deena Adams
Focused warriors! Love that. I needed the reminder as much or more than anyone else! Thanks so much for reading and for your comments.
By the way, I’m nearing the end of your book, “A Firm Place to Stand,” and I absolutely love it! You’re a wonderful writer.
Deb Gorman
Great post, Deena!
I particularly like #1: Know your enemy.
The tactics of Satan include division. I see that in today’s news and headlines. We’re divided over what in tarnation to fight. Against the media? Against the White House? Against WHO? Against the protesters. Against the rioters, burners, and looters? Against the slow takeover of our capitalist economy by forces who would ruin it. Against those who are experimenting with removing our cherished freedoms?
I can see all the way down to the root of these issues…the spiritual battle being waged by the enemy of our souls is to divide us, not only from each other, but from our Lord. The battle belongs to Him. Our place is to stand firm on our knees, with our Swords (the Word of God) in our hands, praying for what’s on His heart to give us.
If we, as Jesus followers, get distracted by each individual issue, we might win a skirmish or two, but the war for our souls (and that of unbelievers) will be lost.
Like all good soldiers, we must keep our mission at the forefront-the discipling of others as stated in the Great Commission.
Deena Adams
Oh yes, division is Satan’s game for sure. That’s one reason I hate this virus so much. It’s kept believers apart from one another and our enemy is trying to keep it that way.
I’ve gotten distracted by some skirmishes but need to focus on the war for souls and stay armed in the spiritual armor and praying fervently for God to fight for His kingdom and His will to be done.
Thanks so much for reading and for your helpful comments!
Criss Lindahl
I really needed this today. It is a struggle not to blame certain groups, the media or politicians for all that is going on when it is indeed Satan.
Deena Adams
I needed it too, Criss. Definitely a struggle. Thanks for reading. 🙂 Glad it helped in some way.
Traci
Excellent advice! I have found working out has been my lifeline ~ after time spent with God and prayer. Currently down to my pre-Covid weight, I think it has helped me balance my emotions and my temper. Eating healthy is a key proponent as well.
Deena Adams
Good for you, Traci! I’ve gained weight these past few months. Finally went to the Y today for the first time since February. Hopefully I can get back on track and start eating better, too. You inspire me!
Dave
I’m a hunkerer. Not a hunk. Staying low, trying to function as if life were normal.
Thanks for these great reminders!
Deena Adams
Thanks for reading, Dave! I’m trying my best to sequester myself from the fray and live normally but it seems to get more difficult by the day. I needed these reminders for myself!
Deena Adams
Thank you, Teresa. And thanks for reading!
Teresa Moyer
That was so beautifully written. Thank you!