Imagine how disappointed a baseball team would be if they spent much time practicing and preparing for a particular opponent and when they arrive to play the opponent didn't show! Well, that is not a problem that God's people face today. The opponent is here and he is vitally active.
The Scripture identifies our antagonist as the world, the flesh and the devil. The world is our environment around us, and the ideas of this age. The flesh is the enemy within, our own sinful lusts and desires. And the devil is that sinister enemy who with his hoards of demons uses the advantage of the world and the flesh to trip and endanger us. There is a battle to be fought for the glory of God and the advancement of His truth in this age.
Notice what Isaiah says about this battle:
Isaiah 35:3-4
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.
Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. (KJV)
We need renewed commitment to this purpose that God has saddled His people with in this world. It is a great and worthwhile struggle. And in the end He is coming with vengeance upon His enemies and to save His own.
Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (KJV)
Let me encourage you to stay in the game, take the bumps and bruises and be glad you have such a worthwhile purpose for life.
