FOURSQUARE BATTLES
It is quite instructive to note that, there is a continuous and endless battle between good and evil, the kingdom of Satan and the kingdom of God, truth and lies, righteousness and sin, children of darkness and the children of light. There is also a battle for your soul and your eternal destination, Hell or Heaven. So what you do with Jesus is very important. Do you believe in him? Are you thoroughly born again? Only you have those answers. Battles are real!
Before we proceed, it is paramount we take a look at the meaning of battle for a clearer understanding of the subject matter. According, the Oxford Advanced Learner’s dictionary 6th Edition, Battle [Noun]: is a fight between armies, ships or planes especially during a war, a violent fight between groups of people. 2: a competition, argument or struggle between people or groups of people trying to win power or control.
Battles are not for boys and girls. It is not for children. This does not mean that boys and girls and children don’t face battles. Truth is everyone does without exclusion. It means you can’t approach a battle in ignorance or child-like thinking. If you do, causality is inevitable. Boys and girls at most, may engage in a fight and in no time, it’s concluded. Battles are fought in successions and phases. You might call it in episodes or rounds. The difference between battle and fight is that battles require planning, training, mastery, strategies and tactics, time and resources whereas fight requires no strategy, plan or resources.
A fight can ensue spontaneously and in no time, it’s all over. Battle is a violent or belligerent fight between people or groups of people. Battle is a fight between armies, planes or ships. It is a struggle for power or resources or control.
2 Corinthians: 10:3-5: For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds ;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
The battles we fight in life are more of spiritual origin than physical. This is because the spiritual controls the physical. We are not fighting against flesh or human beings. Although most times the battle point of contact and effect reaches us through human beings. However, we need to be clever in deciphering the strategist behind all our battles. That’s the devil. We war against organized strongholds in the heavenly places. We war to cast down imaginations in the mental realm that poses a limitation to the rooting effect of God’s word in our lives and circumstance. We war to bring down everything other than God that seeks to glory over our lives and that is against the knowledge of God! In battle, we are permitted to take captive of our enemies making them subject to us in servitude. This implies that in the thought realm which is also the mind or mental realm or ‘soulish’ realm, we take captivity of every contrary and non-conforming thought and ensure that it obeys Christ in us which is our earnest expectation of glory (Colossians 1:27).
Let’s take a look at this scripture:
Ephesians 6:12: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
It’s quite clear to us as explained earlier that our wrestle is not against persons (flesh and blood) but against organized forces such as: principalities. Powers, rulers of the darkness (Satanic kingdom or emirates), spiritual wickedness in where? High places! These are the forces contending with mankind, especially believers, churches, families, marriages in order to tear them apart and wreak havoc in people’s lives! But the devil is a liar!
Talk about the devil, He is a failure, a looser, a usurper, traitor, impersonator, a liar, thief, murderer and a destroyer. John: 10:10: The thief (the devil) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: When He engages you on battle, he is seeking control of all or a certain area of your life. He wants you to be subject to him. But the devil is a liar! But the good news is: Col: 1:12-14: Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
If you are born again you are on the winning side and on the right side of the divide. 2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. You are now empowered to become God’s son and can command the devil at will. You are no longer subject to him. John:1:12-13: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
The power of the word!
Life battles does not respond to cries, self-pity or wishful thinking. Satan, circumstances and life only responds to God’s word. Remember that the word of God is God himself! When you speak or pray in the word in relation to your situation, you are invoking the person of God in Jesus’ name. No circumstance can withstand the presence of God. John: 1:1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Colossians 3:16, says: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; we are commanded to allow God’s word to dwell in us richly. Note, it says richly, not scantily, fairly or poorly but richly. That means, we are to consume all of the word of God in abundance or in excess dosage. Do not try to reinvent the wheel, try and find out what the word has to say concerning your situation. It has been already written down!
In fighting the battles of life, we need not to trust our own understanding because our understanding might be too shallow or limited to comprehend or interprete the intricacies and the fifth- columnist (hidden faces and forces) and reasons and source of the battle we face. We are to trust God and depend on him. Proverb: 3:5-6: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
When you face a battle refer back to God for assistance. Trust him to guide you in appropriating that which Jesus has already provided for you-victory. Romans 8:37: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. We are more than conquerors even before the battle began.
Psalms: 3:1-8: LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
Battles come to us to challenge our faith in God. Remember that God is your shield, glory and the lifter of your head. Sometimes, battles can come as a result of conspiracies. Trust God and his word and do not allow fear to cripple your faith. Make God’s word your point of prayer. Victory is assured!
Why do believers face battles?
Satan desires earnestly your worship. He seeks total control of your life. He seeks to overthrow and overcome your faith so that you run out of options and armor. He wants to steal your salvation, eternal life, righteousness, holiness, faith, peace, prosperity, family, marriage, career, health, allegiance and obedience to God. If you let him succeed, there and then, He offers you his alluring deal. He has all the cards. Satan calls the shots. You become helpless and subject to him. This is the reason why you must always contend for your faith in Christ. Jude: 1:3: Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. By fighting a good fight of faith. 1Timothy 6:12: Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Satan knows that you have professed the faith (faith and allegiance to Christ) before many witnesses, He brings battles and temptations and trials in order for you to either be embarrassed or take decisions or actions that are capable of embarrassing God, nay, Christ before these witnesses; at most, make these witnesses to lose faith in God on account of your fall or defeat.
Battle can come when we despise Satan’s offer. In Luke 4, Jesus was tempted by the Devil to denounce his allegiance with God and follow him. But Christ conquers him each time with the word of God. Satan Promised Jesus as he does today to servants of God, fame, money, possessions and power. Jesus despised these and stood firm in the word of God! This did not augur well with Satan as He walked away in shame. This was when Christ’s trouble and battle began. Satan began to stir up the religious rulers and Judas to kill Jesus. He also raised the spirit of unbelief in the hearts of the people from Christ’s home town in order to render him and his ministry obsolete and unimportant. If Christ had cooperated with the devil, He would not have been killed and people would not have been against him. This would have rendered void Christ’s purpose of coming as ordained by heaven.
A lot of ministers, business men and career people are very successful and influential today not because theirs came from God, but because they cooperated with the devil and refused to wait for God’s time. They end up fulfilling their own purpose and that of Satan no longer God’s purpose. Such people hardly have battles because they have no faith to contend with and no salvation or eternal life to guard. Their soul is gone!
I believe in abundance, prosperity, success and influence as provided for by the scripture. But it must be received and come at God’s cost not at all cost.
Battles may come as a result of:
- Sinful living
- Ignorance.
- Curses (Personal or family). Demonic forces are assigned to guard curses so that nothing will alter it. Any effort to be free from it will provoke the forces of Hell and will give rise to a fierce battle.
- Envy and wickedness of household enemies. Most of the battle we fight in life comes from our families and most times they are spiritually orchestrated. They fight and insist that you will not rise higher or progress in your endeavor. They are humans related to us but Carry out dangerous ritual spiritually against us without making us suspicious of them. No trace or even evidence. I call it wireless connection. Some other person calls them village scientists. How can someone who is far from you physically affect the outcome of your life and sometimes responsible for your unpleasant circumstance? It is a craft! Spiritual technology!
- When you have a special destiny and purpose.
- If God is interested in you.
- If you are a believer and walk in the light.
- Conspiracy and jealousy from evil friends, colleagues, neighbors, kinsmen/women, family members etc.
- Disobedience to God’s specific instruction and negligence. Satan lives in the realm of disobedience. Therefore drifting to that end gives rise to battle.
- When you are about to get to the next level, phase or dimension of your destiny.
Foursquare battles
Certain battles are so fierce and intense that sometimes, a believer may be tempted to think that the devil may have an upper hand and on the winning side.
What is a foursquare battle?
This phrase is my invention and my attempt to explain battles that face or come against us from the four cardinal points. These are battles that come against us from behind, in front and from our left and right hand which makes us feel trapped, vulnerable and helpless and tempted to give in. These are intimidating battles. There are battles we cannot win unless God specifically and personally intervenes on our behalf. These are battles you cannot fight by yourself by any means. These are battles that no mortal can last up to 10 minutes in the battle field.
Yours maybe come in the form of late marriage, fighting cancer, childlessness, poverty, powers from your father’s house, household enemies, conspiracies, joblessness, failure, arrow and yoke of insanity, rising and falling, constant miscarriages, demonic and witchcraft attack, control or dominion. You might be going through a divorce; your spouse abandoned you, battle in the family, incurable disease, court case, financial crisis, stagnation, lack of favor or good opportunity, debt or evil occurrences or pattern in your blood line. Whatever it is, it is a battle you can win and had already won in Christ Jesus before it began. 1John 5:4: For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Jesus has overcome on your behalf every battle that you will ever fight in this life. Christ had already handed the victory to you, which was when you became an overcomer.
In exodus 14, after Pharaoh decided to release the Israelites from bondage in Egypt, He later on changed his mind. As the children of Israel were rejoicing believing that the battle was over as God had wrought so much miracles, signs and wonders in Egypt through his servant Moses. They were probably, in reminiscence as they walked away from the bondage of Egypt. However, their trouble was far from being over. They looked far in front of them; they saw a massive and large expanse of water spanning across several miles. They looked at the right probably a massive mountain circumvented their view. Taking a look at their left, they probably saw a deep gully of valley spanning several miles. They probably thought of quitting. Maybe going back to Egypt would be the best option available. But to their dazzling surprise, they saw Pharaoh and his host of chariots rushing towards them battle ready to crush them into pieces. Listen, most of us fail at this point. God wants us to learn earnestly how to trust him completely and unreservedly. Call upon him in time of trouble and hold on to his promises. He will definitely come to your aid.
The Israelites were in the middle of a foursquare battle. The have ran out of options. Their engine has lost steam. The only option was to watch death snuff life away from them while they spectate. They watched the chariots riding up to them spitefully and in full force. They cried out to Moses while Moses cried out to God. God’s response came with an assurance (hope) and a simple and what seems like a childish instruction. Exodus 14:13-14: And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
The Egyptians was just before them and about to butcher them, yet God was telling them that they shall see them no more. Isn’t that ridiculous? To make matters worse God told Moses to lift up his staff and stretch it over the sea to divide it. A common stick? What’s that for? They were before a life and death situation and it was told them that that stick would make the difference. They watched Moses in curiosity and anticipation, but behold the sea responded and held back its fountains symmetrically. Halleluiah!
Exodus 14:21: And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. That rod or staff is the word of God. Sometimes we are tempted to take it for granted but it works. It’s a spirit; the spirit of God. Battles are won by a continuous bombardment of our circumstance by the word of God!
There are some battles we cannot fight by ourselves. No matter how hard we try it will result to failure. We need God’s direction and right application of his word. We have to allow the word take its full course. When the word starts working Satan may continue to double or triple his efforts to annul the potency of God’s word. Do not stop following God’s direction and do not consider the insubordination of the problem. Keep moving by the word!
Exodus 14:23-28: And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, And took off their chariot wheels, that they drove them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians. And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. Hallelujah!
The Lord said I should tell you that he will fight your battle and your struggles will be over!
Ex:14:29-31 But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.
My testimony:
In the year 2001 and 2002, I began to notice a sensation as though a hot sharp iron was being pierced through my brain profusely. I began to feel wide sensation of dizziness, vertigo, sinusitis, and continuous migraine headaches day in day out. I was a very young boy then and no one knew what was wrong with me as my condition grew worse. Coming from a polygamous and dysfunctional family, I had no respite, succor or anyone to run to. My mum was very sick; my father was ‘availably unavailable’ as he cares less about me as I have seen him but never knew him. It was such a difficult moment for me. To make matter worse I began to experience submergence or suppression of intelligence and depletion of cognitive skill, sobriety and mental acuity. My physical health took a drastic down toll. I ran lots of tests; they said it was Malaria, typhoid fever, Hepatitis B, Ulcer etc. I took the medications as was prescribed for me.
My condition began to improve until one fateful night. That fateful night I had serious spiritual attack; there was a physical and heavy banging on the roof as though the roof was going to shatter. Unknown forces and faces began to drag me in different directions and began to beat me up mercilessly. I lost consciousness. I lost contact with space and time. When I woke up the next morning, my waist, legs and hands became so heavy that I literally dragged to move from place to place. I felt like I was above 250 years old. My body was old, weak and gaunt. I lost vitality and vigor. Prior to this episodes, a particular Uncle I served and left him when the time was appropriate. He was not happy about it. He wanted me to remain in servitude. He called me one day and said people do not leave him like that and that whomever he curses cannot be delivered by any church. I took it with wave of hand not knowing that this man was a very strong occult man yet highly religious and committed in the Church. During the time of my attack, he mocked me and said “you don’t know where what is happening to you is coming from”. He always visits me to ascertain the rate of damage and how he can finish me up. Yet it never occurred to me that He could do such a thing. Then I was just a nice guy who loved the Lord and had zeal for his work but I was not grounded or groomed in the word.
As time proceeded, I began to suffer from memory loss and loss of consciousness and self-awareness. I became death-prone and began to hear self-instigating voices. My thought became wild and heavily negative. I began to find my studies very difficult as I could no longer read and understand, neither can I remember what I have read previously. Familiar subjects became totally strange and improbable. I was in my village then. I had to run and travel to another city (Lagos) in my country. He was mad that I was leaving the village and it grieved him. He took it so personal. This aroused my suspicion. Yet, I had no clue of what was happening. While in Lagos, I could not cope with any work. I was always getting and resigning from jobs. It was latter I discovered that it was a spell and witchcraft-occult attack that was made against my person and destiny to make me completely insane, useless and eventually kill me. But mercy said no! More than Ten ministers in Lagos pointed to the same person (my uncle) and what he has done against me. But for reasons I can’t explain, although these ministers prayed for me, they were unable to help me. Infact one was attacked with heavy boils for attempting to deliver me. The Pastor abandoned me. Then my struggle continued. Because I could not keep a job for a long time, I began to suffer from hunger and malnutrition. It was a tough battle for my destiny, academics, life and health. Each time I pray or take medication, it becomes worse. I later got admission in a higher Institute to study business administration, but could not continue because of my mental health. I could not cope and nobody seems to understand me or even care.
I Went to Yaba Psychiatric hospital and ran several tests, yet they saw nothing wrong with me. The psychiatrists told me that nothing was wrong with me; maybe I was a special case worthy of studying because my perceived symptoms and the test results were in dissonance. After few appointments, I stopped going there. The bad dreams and the spiritual attack never stopped.
Sometimes, I felt like taking my clothes off or even screaming. I began to soliloquize and derived absolute joy in it. I severally had strong desire to commit suicide by drinking poison, stabbing myself or run into an oncoming car. I heard voices that told me to do so. It felt irresistible. But mercy said no. Each time I come to my consciousness, I wept profusely in self-pity, maybe waiting for the D day when I will walk out of myself to return no more. The devil is a liar!
I was excessively tempted to indulge in drinking, patronizing witch-doctors or join a secret cult and live immorally as women both married and single were flooding into my life and had unexplainable immoral passion towards me. I never did! I also met lots of fake churches and Pastors who operate with power of the devil. It’s quite unfortunate how people will remain in cyclic bondage by remaining in those places. The devil was on a prowl to finish me up! But thanks to Jesus and his grace, He never allowed me to yield to Satan and these then seemingly uncontrollable desires as though it was spiritually projected towards me. I never stopped praying, fasting and confessing the word. I consciously kept off from strange and immoral women. The summary of my story was that evil enquiries were made about me and it was told them (household enemies) that I have a great destiny and that God would use my ingenuity and super intelligence to raise me through academics and men would love me and favor me. The wicked now made sorcery and spell against my health, my knowledge, my mind and made me to lose favor even from people who were willing to help me then. Nobody wanted to associate with me then. It was real Hell.
But thank God I am free today! How was I free? God spoke to me in 2007 while in Lagos that He wants to use me in ministry and that’s the reason why the enemy could not destroy me completely. He said he will restore and help me. I didn’t like the idea as my life was already set backed. I needed something better than that. But I had to obey. Later, I got a job at the airport. After, I worked for eighteen months God asked me to resign and go back to my home town for the next level of my destiny. I obeyed. The rest is history. I obtained degree in Agricultural Economics; In my department I was one of the best and I graduated with 2, 1 (second class upper) by God’s grace. My masters degree in Plant breeding and genetics is in view. Who said you cannot make it? You can! I'm rest assured you will!
The devil is a liar! It was the prayer and intercession of my wife, mother-in-law, my faith, prayer and confession of the word and to crown it all God’s divine intervention that set me free! Let me add also, obedience to God’s specific instructions made me whole. I am healed and free. I have sound mind and my intelligence and knowledge has returned. My memory is healed. I am married (2011) to a very beautiful believer and University graduate, Grace and we have two lovely sons: David (5years, 5months), Michael (1year 10 months) and expectant too. My health is restored. I got a job in a federal establishment in 2009. We founded a young and growing ministry (church) Bethelspring int’l Christian Centre. The favor and help I enjoy today is so much and unprecedented. The car I am riding today is the third car I am riding to God’s glory and protection.
I cover my story, health, mind, job, ministry, family, life and destiny with the blood of Jesus Christ. Whoever will try to use this testimony for evil purposes shall be swallowed in God’s vengeance and battle! This is just the beginning. They are all afraid of me in the village. I failed to mention that I faced different battles from household enemies at every stage of these miracles I received. But they kept failing by default. I have identified and avoided them even as I continue to pray against them. They have been exposed to me. One of them has died and still counting. That evil uncle is seriously ill and bed ridden. Battles are real. In my place of work I faced so many battles especially during my schooling and promotion and accommodation issue. Some people conspired against me but God gave me victory. Even in the ministry I succeeded and still succeeding in all the battles. Praise God!
I do not know what battle you are facing, trust God to fight for you! God bless you dearie.
Have you been blessed by this message? I will encourage you to sow into our ministry building project and let God use your seed to speak and fight for you. Obedience is the key. Sow a heavy amount according to your capacity and see how your battle will be over. Try God in faith and see. Sow and call me to pray for you beloved. You are next in line for a miracle.
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