At War With God

At War With God

I once read an article by R.C. Sproul in which he wrote:

“We are at war with God until we experience justification.”

What he meant is that we will continue to struggle in life—striving against God—until we truly understand who He is and who we are.

It comes down to this: He is God, and we are not. The problem is, we all want to think of ourselves as the boss. We want to call the shots and be in control.

Jacob had a hard time figuring this out. He was “at war” with God. He was a deceiver, a liar, and a scoundrel. But in Genesis 32, he finally came to grips with God. He wrestled with Him until he had to surrender—and then he asked God for His name. Once he learned who God truly was, it became possible for him to make peace with Him. From that point on, he began to experience God’s joy in his life.

Saul of Tarsus had a similar trial. He wanted to please God, but he went about it the wrong way. He waged a violent war against Christians—thinking he was doing God’s will. But then God appeared to him and said:

“Why are you persecuting Me?”

Saul responded:

“Who are You, Lord?” (Acts 9:5)

Like Jacob, Saul needed to know who God really was. Once he understood that, he was able to surrender—and he experienced true joy.

Most of the problems we face in life come from not being able to find that place with God—that place where joy is always present. It’s not always easy to figure out the relationship between yourself and God. But if you want real joy, it begins here:

Stop trying to tell God who you want Him to be, and accept Him for who He is.

He is Lord. He should be the most important One in your life. Let Him into your heart—and allow Him to give you His peace and joy.

John 15:9–11

“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love … These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”