Help me or kill me!!

Help me or kill me!! That phrase leaped out at me from a recent email. It was the prayer of someone I’ve known for several years who is struggling with a personal issue (and has been for almost 15 years). This person, a committed and engaged believer for many years, said their prayer at this point is for the Lord to help them or kill them, they are so tired of the struggle. They feel as though they’re in a constant battle and are getting worn down. I was forced to look back over my life in the past few years. How many of my personal struggles are ones I’ve dealt with before? How many times have I “laid them at the feet of the cross” only to have them resurge into life later on? How many times have I experienced victory for months or even years, and then in a moment of relaxing my guard or being in a weak place I find myself yielding to a thought or temptation once again? Our adversary is roaming about seeking to kill and destroy and devour all that he can (1 Peter 5:8)! Is it any wonder we are in a battle not of flesh and blood, but “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12) Followers of Jesus are a minority in France, less than 1% of the population. Many are isolated and discouraged. Pray for my friend and others in similar situations. Pray for perseverance, renewed strength for the battle, grace in time of need, a fresh outpouring of His Spirit and encouragement from like-minded believers. Pray, too, for us to be salt and light. We may have difficulties in a few battles and skimishes, yet we know the final outcome of the war!