The conquerors always are seeking the open Heaven of fellowship with God and Christ. They love God and the ways of God. It is an abomination to them to hesitate in indecision when it comes to serving the Lord Jesus.

They will "paw restlessly" like an impatient and irritated horse when they are brought into contact with the indecision and timidity of the lukewarm believers.

Soldiers in a valley are at the mercy of an enemy who is on higher ground. The overcomers are not pleased with indecision. They wish to know who is on the Lord's side. They desire that everyone "choose this day" whom he will serve.

The strength of the saint is of Christ and he hastens to the battle. His sword is tougher and sharper than the sword of the enemy and so he is certain of victory.

Complacent believers huddle in the imagined security of the flesh. They do not like teaching about suffering, about warfare, about persecution. But the conquering saints go on to "meet the armed men." They are aware of the fact that they are wrestling against wicked rulers formerly of high rank in Heaven. They understand they are not able of themselves to overcome the sophisticated cunning of thousands of years of experience.

Christ's saints stand on the Word of the Lord that nothing will by any means hurt them; that they will tread on the dragon, the lion, and the adder; that in Christ they possess authority over all the power of the enemy.

Fear is one of the main weapons of the enemy. The experienced overcomer resists the fear that the devil belches at him.

We believe in the period of time before the return of Christ (which may prove to be a season of unparalleled opportunity for bringing salvation and comfort to the dismayed peoples of the earth), Satan will be enabled (by the Lord and under His control) to overcome the testimony of the saints.

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. (Revelation 13:7)

If during this period of tribulation the adversary can produce fear in the believers he will have them at his mercy. But if the saints will stand resolutely on the promises of God they will walk in personal victory and be able to help the weak who will look to them in the day of trouble.

The Christian never is to allow fear and dread to abide in his heart. Faith and fear cannot dwell together in the same heart. Fear, if we will allow it to, will drive faith out of our heart. But faith is the victory that overcomes the world.

We sanctify the Lord Jesus in our heart. He is our fear and our dread. But we do not fear Satan or his demons and we do not fear people (Isaiah 8:13).

Have you ever been attacked by Satan in the night? Have the demons surrounded you and terrified you? Did you begin to pray frantically? There is a better way. Just have a good laugh and then turn over and go to sleep in the arms of Jesus. He has led Satan and his hosts captive. Nothing can harm you if you are abiding in Christ, the mighty Conqueror.

If you fear the Lord, the angel of the Lord is camped round about you. No spiritual power can penetrate the defense of the Lord.

To be continued.