HIGH-ALTITUDE TURBULENCE

READ:
Ephesians 6:10-18

[We wrestle] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
-Ephesians 6:12



While in flight, airline passengers often hear the pilot announce over the intercom,"Please fasten your seatbelts.We may encounter some turbulence."Even large commercial jets cruising at high altitudes can run into rough flying conditions.I heard of a jumbo jet that was buffeted so badly that it had to make an emergency landing.Normally, you would expect a smooth ride at high altitudes,but that is not always the case.

I see a spiritual parallel.When we first trust Christ as our Savior,it seems that we are lifted high above this evil world.The joy of having God's indwelling Spirit and of being forgiven brings release from the turbulence of sin's guilt.But we soon realize that powerful currents are at work to bring us down.

Conflicts and problems seem to come from people or circumstances,but it may be that spiritual forces are at work.The interference created by Satan,combined with our sinful nature,can make for very rough going at times.

We must be well-protected by truth,righteousness,peace,faith,assurance,God's Word,and prayer(Eph.6:14-18).Yes,we can overcome the "turbulence" because God's Spirit within us is "greater than he who is in the world"(1 John 4:4).

There's victory p'er Satan and sin's dark shame,

Look only to Jesus,there's power in His name;

The devil can't harm you or cause you to sin,

When you trust in Jesus,the victory you'll win.-Anon.

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THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS A BATTLEGROUND,

NOT A PLAYGROUND.