It’s about time that we rest from war!

Good morning brothers and sisters of Countryside! Over the last couple of weeks, you all have been on my heart in an increasingly huge way. In our studies in Joshua, the Lord has continued to remind me of the battle that wages all around us, and the battle that too often gets the best of us on the inside. Spiritual war is a dirty game, and the enemy is even dirtier. What a blessing we can know just how done that battle is in Christ. We have victory because of His sacrifice and love. When the enemy is doing his worse, that’s often the time when we feel there’s no hope. We’re sick. We’re busy. There’s strife, distraction and even sin. This is the time to stand strong, and quite frankly, to stick it to him. As we saw in Joshua 10, it’s easy to hide in a cave, when in fact we need to find ourselves, again, at the foot of the cross. And, by the way, we’re at the foot of the cross with you. That’s why cave dwelling is an impossibility — victory is pretty illusive when you’re alone and hiding. That’s why Paul said so emphatically in Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” I need the encouragement. You need the encouragement. We need each other. I’ve been praying for you. Praying for the battles, praying for your strength, praying for our peace, and praying that you would know the great power that is our God. Remember, we’re already in a place of victory. With Christ we’ve already won. We have to stoop down from this great place of security and spiritual strength to even struggle at all. It’s about time that we rest from war! (Joshua 11:23) — Pastor Terry