Are you a note-taker? Do you like to write in journals? I realize not everyone is, but I stumbled on something that made me pause and think, wow I think we’ve missed the real power of this.
Let me explain.
In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, his purpose was to encourage his young protege as he led one of the largest churches at that time. Timothy was the pastor of the church in Ephesus. God turned the city upside-down and many former idol-worshippers became strong believers in Jesus Christ. The result was a fast-growing congregation.
But with anything that grows rapidly, problems can arise, so Paul sends Timothy a letter to remind him of the truths of our faith. And one line that I’ve read many times, but skimmed over quickly, jumped out at me today:
“This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them, you may wage the good warfare” (1 Timothy 1:18).
In 2020, I started journaling. I had always taken a notebook with me to special meetings but a personal journal wasn’t a regular practice for me. I actually found an app for my ipad that let me write with a pencil and add text boxes to copy/paste scriptures into my notes. The feature that sold me the most was the ability to search any word in this app, and whether it was typed or handwritten, it would find that word and take me straight to that note.
This was a huge plus for me because I had bookshelves full of notebooks from attending conferences and meetings but I had no clue how to find specific notes. This was a game-changer and really encouraged me to pour my heart out through journaling as I prayed and studied God’s Word.
I can’t tell you how many times I have reviewed my journal over the past four years. The Holy Spirit will remind me, often just through a hint, of something I was inspired to write down. Besides my own personal notes, I also made it a habit to write down any prophecies spoken out by ministers at special meetings. [By prophecy, I mean spirit-inspired declarations to the audience.] Even these have been a huge encouragement to me when prompted to read them again.
And that’s what Paul told Timothy: “…by them you may wage the good warfare.”
The Amplified Bible says, “… so that inspired and aided by them you may wage the good warfare.” If I hadn’t personally experienced the power of being inspired and aided by heartfelt prayers, prophecies, notes, and scriptures written in my journal, I wouldn’t be able to testify of this truth:
The weapons of spiritual warfare are more simple than we’ve realized.
If I ever heard the phrase “spiritual warfare” I thought of a battle– something fierce, difficult, and almost elusive. I believe God’s Word is a sword. I believe He’s given us a shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16-17) and weapons of righteousness in the right and left hand (2 Corinthians 6:7). I am confident that “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God…” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
But what I didn’t realize is the amazing power of remembrance!
When we put ourselves in remembrance of what God has spoken to us in times past, discouragement is broken, thoughts of quitting are depleted of power, and our hearts are lifted up above the momentary emotions and feelings of the daily grind.
Yes, there are times of real battle in prayer. And God expects us to hide His Word in our heart so we are ready to answer any lie the enemy throws at us. These are all forms of warfare. But don’t underestimate the POWER of what God has already told you.
“May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles” (NLT).
I pray this stirs your faith– even just to start writing things now. Take some time to remember scriptures and quotes that have encouraged your faith. Put them in your arsenal. When you need them (and you will), they’ll be cocked and ready to shoot down all the fiery darts of your enemy– with far less struggle than you may have thought!
