Recognizing Our Condition
I see depression, tiredness, lack of motivation and concentration, brain fog, and overall physical infirmity increasing among many due to the buildup of stress. This is not only affecting us collectively as a nation (due to the ongoing spiritual and natural warfare in recent months) but individually, as many are feeling the strain on a personal level.
Ever since the 2020 election, we as a people have been undergoing unexpected and dramatic changes to our routines, little by little and month by month. The upheaval in the nation has hit everyone at some level. Whether it's been financial, medical, political, or otherwise, everyone has been impacted by the breakdown of what was once considered normal. This ongoing pressure has been slow and steady, without any seeming break. And many are now experiencing the mental, emotional, and physical consequence of the spiritual battles at hand. And the Lord is calling out the source of our ailments. It's called battle fatigue.
"...battle fatigue, is a common response to the mental and emotional strain that can result from dangerous and traumatic experiences. It is a natural reaction to the wear and tear of the body and mind after extended and demanding operations." (From "Understanding and Dealing With Combat Stress and PTSD," Military One Source, militaryonesource.mil)
We Are in a Time of War
When I heard this term while in prayer the other day, I knew the Lord wanted us to recognize this condition. Why? Because we're in a time of war; not only a spiritual war, but a war that is technological, psychological, and pathological. It's a war of the mind and soul with the enemies of God targeting our psyches and senses in hopes of immobilizing our hope and faith. It has been a war long-planned and intended for the long play. Aiming to take down those who fear God and value the sacred, this warfare has been doing great damage. But by recognizing the source and its purpose, the Lord is instructing us in how to deal with it and overcome it. Not only personally, but collectively.
Not only is battle fatigue the result of enduring extended times of warfare, it also feeds on disappointments and unmet expectations. When going through long seasons without any seeming breakthrough, one begins to lose hope and any sense of purpose. (Photo via Unsplash)
The Lord showed me that many are under a spirit of depression due to this kind of battle fatigue. Unanswered prayers and unfulfilled promises are wearing down even the most diligent warriors. Using all their reserves to simply get through another day, many have become spiritually and mentally numb, void of any inspiration or drive. Some have even been made sick. And this is exactly what the enemy has wanted.
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire (longing, delight) fulfilled is a tree of life." (Proverbs 13:12 ESV, parenthesis mine)
But even as this sickness of the soul is being felt, so is the Holy Spirit going to turn this around for something incredible. The Restorer of our souls is coming with deliverance in His hands to free us from all that has held us down. He is preparing the way for a healing of souls that will bring great deliverance to the land.
Mourning All That Has Been Lost
"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book." (Psalm 56:8 NLT)
I believe many will even go through a period of mourning for all that has been lost, for there has been loss—great loss—on many levels. Our Great Physician knows that our physical bodies often store up pent up traumas and disappointments which can cause many sicknesses and diseases. I believe part of the coming healing revival will be due to emotions being unlocked and souls being set free to allow the unresolved pains of the past to give voice and settle their case.
This mourning will not be unto sadness or disappointment but a release of the Father's heart. He has been gathering our tears in His bottle and has grieved with us in silence. There will come a time when these losses will be released as Perfect Love pours into our hearts and souls to displace hopelessness and despair. This will then pave the way for gladness and joy to emerge.
"[T]o proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." (Isaiah 61:2–3 ESV) (Photo via Unsplash)
The Stamina to Endure
For those of you who feel you may be experiencing battle fatigue, allow the Holy Spirit to minister to you. Take the time to be in His presence and let the oil of His Spirit flow through your entire being to bring the needed strength and stamina to endure. This is but a season, and this battle is short term. Recognize the enemy's voice and take captive those thoughts that rob you of God's power and presence. Do not allow your circumstances or symptoms to determine your reality. The Spirit within you will always have the advantage when you give Him first place and first priority.
Some of you need to step off the battlefield and go rest! Others need to partner with other Believers to gain some strength and momentum. Still others need to let the Holy Spirit take you through a time of emotional healing and release.
Our warfare is not just about defeating our enemies, but becoming whole. Our endurance is not just about building character, but gaining spiritual stamina and supernatural authority that defeats every wicked scheme set against us. We will come through these battles stronger than ever before as battle fatigue gives way to dancing and mourning turns into joy.
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Wanda Alger
Email:Â wandaalger@gmail.com
Website:Â www.wandaalger.me
Wanda Alger is an ordained minister, commissioned fivefold leader, speaker, and author. She has produced numerous video and audio teaching series, and six books, including her latest, WORDS TO PRAY BY. She also hosts a YouTube and Rumble channel where she posts weekly videos of prophetic dreams, insights, and Kingdom strategies, and is active on social media. Find all her resources and writings at www.wandaalger.me. She is married to Bobby Alger, lead pastor of Crossroads Community Church in Winchester, Virginia, which they founded together in 1998. They have three grown children and a growing number of grandchildren.
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