Life is a Continuous Struggle!

By Archdeacon Habib Guirgus

Man's life is full of spiritual struggle, and psychological strive, never enough and never ends. For the flesh is still alive and filled with desires, while Satan proclaims the war against the soul, and will not achieve comfort or quit struggling till we cry out victoriously and in a joyful voice saying; "O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" (I Corinthians 15:55).

As long as we are in the flesh, there are weapons and echoes of fire, and our souls in our bodies are nothing than ships in the midst of a tumultuous sea, suffering the high winds from every side. We can call it also like a furnace with its fire ignited all over, so do not think, O man, that you are safe in this world, for you are walking in a way full of traps, and your enemies-demons-are exerting the utmost efforts to hurt you, least to say. They are to steal the grace from your life, and will not give up fighting you, and will use his power to oppose you, and will never rest or give up his fights against you, so, be cautious and alert, and never believe him, or belittle his tricks and traps. Always pray to receive strength and power from God the Most High, to fight him, conquer him, overcome him, and be victorious by the grace of Jesus, Who is unconquerable.

Do not be deceived believing that you will be free of temptation, and will be pain-free, for while you think so, "your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he devour" (I Peter 5:8). While you imagine that you are in peace and comfort, you are then in danger, for the devil is hiding in a fearful appearance to fight back heavily. Do not be afraid of temptation and do not let your heart be scared of it, for it is a proof that you have overcome evil, and conquered it, after resisting and vectored, therefore he is persecuting you and trying to offend you by recycling his temptations to trap you out of anger and avenge, but be steadfast in the faith always to conquer.

This enemy does not consume his time in fighting those whom he has in the palm of his hands, but he struggles against those who resist him strongly, those who defeat him. And when you defeat him once, victory will always be your companion, and you will strike him down and terrify him in every event.

Strive, fight back, and be vigilant lest you enter into temptation.

Use every spiritual weapon to be able to repel all scorching evil and "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breast plate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:10-18).

The soldier, who is near the enemy, cannot lapse or sleep, but rather be vigilant for fighting always. The smart sailor is watchful of the weather, and holds the rudder in the midst of the waves and tumultuous sea to keep the ship from sinking.

You too should be vigilant, alert and courageous, armored at all times against the enemy and the temptation he is offending you with.

Be wise and alert, and attack your enemy before he gets you.

Shield yourself in every way, and make refuge to the Lord always. Do not leave your fortress and play with the serpent or pet it, lest it stings you, so flee from it to be safe from its poison. Cut all the causes of sin and do not approach the fire lest it burns you.

Do not be the cause of befalling yourself; "Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are coming down there" (II Kings 6:9).

Put aside all burden of sin which is surrounding you, and make haste to strive and push to the mark; "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls" (Hebrews 12:2, 3).