Ancient Bible World

Being an American comes with the privilege of not having the experience of living in an environment of war. While former soldiers like my husband and thousands of others may understand this, the average western person, at least in our generation doesn’t. And as cliche as it may sound, it really does change how one sees everything. For our family the last month, for yet another span of conflict, the norm has been the bleeding sounds of phone alerts, sirens outside and constant uncertainty. Quite frankly, its all had a way of reminding me how fragile life really is. At this moment, while our family continues to live in Israel during another season of conflict, the reality of physical war is not distant for us. It’s close. It’s present. It’s daily. Yet for the people from this region of the world this is something that is simply a part of life. It really is a reminder of how blessed we are in the west. 

War isn’t only Physical:

For another season, there have been moments of rushing to the shelter with little notice. Nights interrupted by loud phone alerts and sirens. Many times our plans are held loosely because we know everything can change in an instant–even simple things like taking a walk or putting the kids to bed can carry a different weight in times like these. Yet, in the middle of it all there have also been quiet, sacred, peaceful moments. Moments of prayer in the shelter–moments of peace that don’t quite make sense. Moments when God’s presence feels so near, especially in the tension–and because of that, in the middle of all of this, I’ve been reminded of something. War isn’t only literal and physical. There are many different types of battles in life that every single one of us is facing, no matter where we live. Not everyone hears sirens. Not everyone runs to a shelter. BUT everyone is fighting, and trying hard to press through something.

For some, it’s fear about a current situation you are facing. 

For others, it’s anxiety about the future and what it will look like. 

For some, it’s grief, loss, or disappointment.

For others, it’s the quiet weight of exhaustion, doubt, or what feels like unanswered prayers.

These are the battles, seen and unseen. No matter what our physical challenge is, it is likely that they all come as spiritual ones. And sometimes, those can feel just as intense as anything happening around us. The Bible reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” That means the struggle you’re feeling, the tension, the heaviness, it’s not random. There is a real spiritual battle taking place. 

But here’s the hope: We are not left defenseless. In the same way that people prepare for physical safety in times of war, we are called to be equipped spiritually. God has given us everything we need to stand firm. His truth, faith, and peace. His Word, and His presence. I’ve seen this firsthand like many of you have.

Remembering in Battle:

Even in the middle of uncertainty, there has been peace that surpasses all understanding. Even in moments where fear tries to rise, there is a steady reminder: God has been near and He continues to be near.

Even when the world feels shaken, He remains unshaken. He’s not surprised by all that’s going on in this world and in our lives. That doesn’t mean it’s always easy. It doesn’t mean we don’t feel the weight of what’s happening. But it does mean we are not alone in it. If you’re reading this and you’re in your own kind of battle right now, I want to encourage you: Don’t ignore what you’re feeling but don’t fight it alone. Lean into God. Be honest with Him. Open His Word, even when it’s the last thing you feel like doing. Worship, even if your voice feels weak. Pray, even if the words don’t come easily.

Final thoughts:

Sometimes victory doesn’t look like everything changing overnight. Sometimes it looks like standing firm when everything around you feels unstable. Wherever you are in the world today, whether you’re in a place of peace or a place of chaos…. you are not forgotten. God sees you. He knows the battle you’re facing. And He is fighting with you. “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)

Stay close to Him. 

He is your place of safety, your peace, and your strength.

You are not alone in this fight.

“Where faith and hope meet”

Nothing but Encouragement

Angela Avalos