Page 109 - Overcoming Addiction

prolonged engagement. The tendency to become weary in the battle will be known
to all saints at some time. Even David, the man after God’s heart, became weary.

II Samuel 21:15-17
Now when the Philistines were at war again with Israel, David went down
and his servants with him; and as they fought against the Philistines, David
became weary. Then Ishbi-benob, who was among the descendants of the
giant, the weight of whose spear was three hundred shekels of bronze in
weight, was girded with a new sword, and he intended to kill David. But
Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped him, and struck the Philistine and killed
him.

It is to be noted that after this occurrence, David’s men urged him to not go
out to war with them anymore, lest he be killed and Israel suffer. David, being
weary of war, listened to their words and stayed home when they went to battle
thereafter. It was while he was at home idle, when he should have been with his
men leading the battle, that he fell into temptation and committed adultery with
Bathsheba, the wife of one of David’s most valiant and victorious soldiers.
We must not give into the weariness that plagues us at times, even when we
are looking for the fulfillment of some long awaited promise, or the complete
victory over some sin that we have wrestled with for a long season. As the
Scriptures state, patience is as necessary in our warfare as is faith.

Hebrews 6:11-12
And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize
the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but
imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

It is our hope of deliverance that gives us renewed strength to stand in the
battle. It is hope that every promise of God will be realized that allows us to
withstand every assault of the enemy upon our mind.

The Sword of the Spirit

The last two items in the list of our spiritual equipment serve as both
defensive and offensive weapons. These are the word of God, and prayer.

And take... the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

In all of the pieces of the soldier’s outfit looked at thus far, it is necessary to
become familiar with them, and comfortable with their usage. It is especially
needful with the sword of the Spirit. We must study its usage diligently and
become skillful with it. The apostle Paul instructed the young minister Timothy in
the need to apply himself diligently to mastering the word of God.