George and I have visited a lot of Battlefields during our forty-two plus years of marriage, and I can tell you the location of the battle and the positioning of those on the battlefield play a huge role in the outcome of the battle.
The same is true in spiritual battles. I need to be in the right place at the right time. How? It’s guaranteed if I’m walking by Holy Spirit.
Another important thing I’ve learned about location is it will not always be comfortable, but if Holy Spirit takes me there it is definitely beneficial.
Jesus was led by Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted (Matthew 4:1, Mark 1:12-13 & Luke 4:1-2).
Temptation does not come from God, but temptation is used by Him to expose our desires (James 1:14). Thankfully, God promises to always provide us with a way of escape (1st Corinthians 10:13).
Temptation is a place of spiritual battle; a crossroad of decision.
Will I do what is right according to God, me, or someone else? What I choose reveals the depth of my faith in that particular area of my life. Sometimes I learn from defeat and sometimes I learn through victory.
God doesn’t do this to crush me, but to show me where I’m still operating in my own strength and power instead of His. Wow! That’s a very gentle and guiding love, right?!
He’s leading me to a location of learning. A place that causes me to worship Him and celebrate His strength in me.
Or a place that causes me to recognize my need for Him. He presents me with a new perspective of what I previously thought was not a place of weakness (2nd Corinthians 12:9), so I can become strong in Him and stand firm when faced with similar temptations/battles.
Another important thing I’ve learned about location is what happens when I’m not where I’m supposed to be. King David did not go where kings go during times of battle and found himself in a place of temptation that led to adultery and murder (2 Samuel 1:1).
I find myself in the wrong place when my confidence is in myself (1st Corinthians 10:12). I’m giving myself God’s position of Lordship when I don’t follow His lead; basically, I’m saying I know better than He does!
I’ve not murdered anyone but I’ve most definitely found myself justifying my choices and surrendering to temptation in the heat of battle. What did I learn?
I want to be in the best place possible when it comes to battle time, so I’m going to continue to practice following Holy Spirit’s lead.
“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Galatians 5:25 (NLT)
How about you? Share a time when you experienced the joy of being in the right location and how it led you to trust the LORD and stand firm in the face of our enemy.
You’re welcome! Thank you for sharing. I’m praying for you.
I’m not answering your question bc Holy Spirit spoke to me through another point you made. “Temptation is a place of spiritual battle; a crossroad of decision. ….What I choose reveals the depth of my faith in that particular area of my life….” That is so true! I feel as though I have a lot to ponder and pray over. I feel like the Lord is going to teach me something important…reveal a new area in which I need to trust Him in. Thank you for sharing what you’ve learned.