How can we find refuge in God during spiritual battles today? A Picture of Refuge in Revelation 12:14 “ ‘But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle so that she could fly from the serpent into her place in the wilderness, where she was nourished for a time, and times, and half a time.’ ” • The woman represents God’s covenant people, hunted by the serpent (Satan). • God intervenes, lifting her out of danger and sustaining her in a prepared place. • The scene affirms that divine refuge is literal, timely, and sufficient. Recognizing the Battle We Face • Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood.” • The same serpent who pursued the woman still schemes against believers (1 Peter 5:8). • Acknowledging the unseen conflict keeps us alert and dependent on God’s protection. What God’s Refuge Actually Looks Like 1. Swift Rescue • “Two wings of a great eagle” echo Exodus 19:4 and Isaiah 40:31—God lifts His people above the fray. 2. A Prepared Place • John 14:3 and Psalm 23:5 show the Lord arranging safety before danger arrives. 3. Ongoing Nourishment • “She was nourished” parallels Psalm 23:2 and Matthew 4:4—God feeds body and soul. 4. Divinely Set Limits • “A time, and times, and half a time” signals that every trial has a God-ordained boundary (1 Corinthians 10:13). 5. Wilderness, Not Vacation • Refuge may feel lonely, yet it is where faith is refined and intimacy with God deepens (Hosea 2:14). How to Enter and Stay in This Refuge Today • Dwell in His Word – Psalm 91:1-2; let Scripture frame reality and silence lies. • Clothe Yourself with His Armor – Ephesians 6:10-18; daily, deliberate appropriation. • Call on His Name – Proverbs 18:10; vocal, specific dependence invites tangible help. • Commit to Obedience – James 4:7; refuge is experienced when we submit and resist. • Cultivate Worship – 2 Chronicles 20:22; praise shifts focus from attack to Defender. • Stay Connected to the Body – Hebrews 10:24-25; fellow believers reinforce walls of protection. • Wait with Expectation – Isaiah 40:31; patient trust allows the “eagle’s wings” moment. Living Nourished in the Wilderness • Feed on daily manna—fresh portions of Scripture and Spirit-led insights. • Record God’s provisions; testimonies build resilience (Psalm 77:11-12). • Guard the mind with thankful thoughts (Philippians 4:8). • Serve others from the shelter; refuge is not retreat from mission (2 Corinthians 1:4). Encouraged by the Promise Psalm 46:1 declares, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.” The same God who carried Israel on eagle’s wings, and who will shield His people in the last days, offers the very same refuge now. Run to Him, remain under His covering, and discover that every spiritual battle becomes a stage for His preserving power. |