Another Day Alive, Another Day in the Ring

Do not get it twisted, there is such a thing as spiritual warfare. Many of us don't even realize we are in battle spiritually because we are too distracted by the battle we are having in the flesh, which is part of the enemy's strategy. His goal is to destroy you in the flesh (through relationships, friendships, opportunities, self-confidence, defeated thoughts, careers, etc.), which in turn destroys you in the spirit (through depression, lack of confidence, self-destruction, fighting, quitting, etc.). He often wins because we have gotten it twisted. By allowing our flesh experience to become more important than our spiritual experience we are distracted or even confused. However, what is most important is our spiritual-self. Possessions, people and positions can come around again....but, if we loose the desire to pray, preach and proclaim that God is the source of all we have and are, nothing we obtain in the flesh will matter.

Recently, I have been reminded through some challenging situations that what I am attempting to fight is not for me to take on…yes, I am the one taking the hits, feeling the pain, and desiring a change. I am the one who wants to throw in the towel, share some choice words, exit stage left. But, I cannot do that for one important reason, this is all happening for a reason. God has me and you in battles for a reason. Knowing that fact alone should cause us to begin to react to our situation differently. Instead of preparing to fight in the flesh, we should prepare to fight in the spirit by seeking God, trusting God and obeying God.

Seek Him the minute you feel the emotional tide is about to take you to yet another island of confusion and frustration. Before you react in action or word to the latest punch thrown, stop and seek God first. Not an easy thing to do…because our human side is always ready to react. We have to readjust our mind to first and always go to God, when something negative has happened, even if it’s a quick, “Lord HELP!”

Trust Him to provide you with what you need, in the form of direction, peace, clarity, and love. He is the only one that can help you. Because remember, He placed you in the battle for a reason and here’s the shouting point, your season there has an expiration date. Meaning….this is your “today” reality, but not your “tomorrow” reality. He is fighting on your behalf and will bring you out, in due season. So don’t faint yet!

Obey Him in what He directs you to do. This will be easier to do, if you have successfully accomplished the first two points of seeking and trusting Him. Because even if what He tells you goes against what you want or what the crowd wants…you will have a peace and boldness that surpasses understanding, knowing that you are truly obeying Him. If God is directing you, He is also providing you safe ground to walk on….the sea has been parted….just take the steps forward.

No matter how confused, hurt or discouraged you currently feel…God has you in His hands. When you are on the other side of this battle, you will know that no one but God brought you out. That is always His ultimate goal…to give us a testimonial praise.

As you rise this morning, realize that in you waking up the devil views another day alive and focused as another day he is in the boxing ring. So, put on your boxing gloves (God's word) and get ready for the next round. Recognize and discern his tactics and be prepared. This battle is won. You just have to stay strong and stand firm. 

Walk in faith. Live in love.