Heard in conversation the other day, “I’m tired of all this. Life just seems to always be a constant fight.”

And I have been thinking about it ever since.

Life can be difficult at times. Sure it is interspersed with times of joy and laughter, yet the fight continues. This is because …

Life IS a spiritual battle.

I turned to a most familiar passage in my Bible and read that our fight is not against flesh and blood but against rulers, authorities, the powers of this dark world, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. I get it and yet, sitting alone in my family room, I could not help but wonder —- What was I still missing?

Pulling out a less familiar version, I began reading ….

God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet.
(Ephesians 6: 10-13, The Message)

Read it slowly, several times. Take in the words ….

1. God is strong, and he wants you strong. God knows this fight we face will take more than we have on our own. And so, He is the One who equips us and strengthens us, infusing His very own strength into us.
2. This is no afternoon athletic contest. Seriously, those afternoon contests are easy. For those, we go to the contest, do our best, and forget about it. But this contest is one we will remember for a long time afterwards. We will probably be talking about it for the rest of our lives.
3. This battle is far more than you can handle on your own. Don’t think you have to make it on your own. And certainly don’t buy into the Devil’s lies that you are weak or a wimp if you can’t make it on your own. The truth is, and God is telling us, you surely won’t make it on your own. Take that one to the bank! So entrust a few to come alongside of you. Let them help and receive their encouragement.
4. You will survive this one. I love that God tells us “when it’s all over but the shouting, you’ll still be on your feet”! You will get through. You will survive. And there will be whooping and hollering!

I finally realized the point I was missing – Jesus fights for us!

“For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!” (Deuteronomy 20:4, NLT)  ** And note, the exclamation points are in Scripture, not that I added them!!!!

May these truths sink deep into your soul today. May they bring you hope and strength to continue on. Remember –

Jesus fights for us!

When it’s all over but the shouting,

you’ll still be on your feet!!!

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