Over the last few weeks we have focused on the importance of "Fighting to Flourish!" We are reminded that to really live out the abundant life that Jesus promises, we need to be willing to fight! Last week, Madison shared about the importance of the Armor of God. God wouldn't have provided armor for us if He didn't intend for us to need it, and to use it! God knew that we would have battles that we would have to face and He did not leave us alone or unequipped for those battles.
2 Timothy 2:3-4
You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
How can we be effective as we fight to flourish? First, remember that you are a soldier on a battlefield, and that it is God who has enlisted you as a soldier. This is a mind-set shift. When we remember that we are a warrior for the Lord, and that there are spiritual battles to be fought, we can begin to embrace the life of a soldier. There will be hardships that we must face, and God has not called us to an easy life. He has called us to a meaningful life, an abundant life, a fruitful life, an effective life, a full life. But not an easy life. Below are a few ways that we can be effective as a "good soldier of Jesus Christ."
How can we be effective:
Don’t be "entangled" in the things of this world.
Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.
Wear God's armor.
Fight the small battles – the lion and bear (like David).
Be strong and courageous.
Don’t fight alone. Cry out to God to fight for you and with you through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Fight to take what our God has promised us – abundant life.
This is a call to arms – a call to battle, a call to fight.
To pick up your sword.
To be a warrior for our God and king.
To be more than a conqueror!
To wake up and see the battle all around us.
If you've been unengaged, join us in the fight! Remember what you're fighting for: Remember your "why!"
Fighting to FLOURISH, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Fighting for victory in your personal lives.
Fighting to overcome strongholds or recurrent sins.
Fighting to get spiritually healthy and strong because your life impacts others such as your parents, your family, your kids, your spouse, or your future family.
Fighting for your faith in God!
Fighting for your future.
Fighting to break free from unbiblical mindsets that hold us captive.
As you're fighting for freedom in your personal and spiritual life, remember this quote:
Freedom is never given by the oppressor.
It must be demanded by the oppressed.
- Martin Luther King Jr.
As you remember that you're a soldier, that God has equipped you for battle, and that He will go before you, also remember that the enemy will always seek to keep you oppressed and held captive. He doesn't give up easily. Be encouraged that the Lord will fight for you (Deuteronomy 1:30) and keep fighting. Stand firm and don’t’ loose the ground you’ve taken!
Prayer Points:
Lord, help me to remember that you have called me as a soldier of Jesus Christ.
Lord, help me not to get "entangled" in the things of this world.
Jesus, help me to keep my eyes fixed on You when I'm facing a battle.
Lord, help me to equip myself with Your Spiritual armor.
Fight the small battles – the lion and bear (like David).
Lord, please fight FOR me, like You have done for Your people in the past. I need Your strength and power in my life.
Personal Prayer:
Father God,
I come boldly before Your throne, as your daughter, and I humbly ask for Your Holy Spirit to enable, equip, and empower me to FIGHT for what matters most in my life. Help me to see that I have been enlisted by You to be a soldier and to fight for Your glory. Lord, help me to not become entangled in the things of this world so that I can be a fully engaged warrior for You. Help me to see that YOU alone are my victory. Jesus, I fix my eyes on You and ask for Your empowerment. Help me to honor You as I endure the hardships of this world. Lord, equip me to fight for freedom, victory, and the abundant life that You promised in John 10:10.
In the powerful and victorious Name of Jesus Christ I pray,
Amen.
In Christ,
Michelle Staubs
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