Faith demands struggle. It does not guarantee a life of peace and comfort. Jesus, the “author and
finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2), Himself said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on
earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). This teaches us well that
struggle is an essential part of the church’s life. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, compares the
life of a believer to a soldier who is fully equipped and fights against enemies (Ephesians 6:10-
17). Paul also urges Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). The apocalyptic
war described in Revelation between “a woman clothed with the sun” and “the dragon and his
angels” (Revelation 12) should likely be understood as an extension of the intense spiritual battle
that the church faces in daily life.