Stay In The Fight

It takes constant awareness and effort to walk in the spirit and not the flesh. To put it another way to stay in the present moment and not be ruled by emotions of the past and fear of the future is a constant battle. It is a battle but a skill that we have been given the power to conquer. If you are going through extreme discomfort right now it may be to give you an opportunity to exercise your spiritual muscle, earn wisdom and learn obedience.

Hebrews 5:7-9 NIV 7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him

And your trial may also be an opportunity to make a decision (there is no middle ground)…this day whom will I serve?

Joshua 24:15 King James Version (KJV) 15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Stay in the fight….and in love. God does not condemn us for our struggle but apathy is deadly.

Why is apathy deadly? Because it discounts what Christ accomplished on the cross.

Hebrews 6:7-8 NIV Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.

Apathy says I know what you want but I don’t care because what you ask of me Lord is too hard. The discomfort I feel trying to live life as you would have me live is too much for you to ask of me.

Hebrews 5:11-14 NIV We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Apathy is not neutral…it discounts Christ’s sacrifice and identifies with the mindset and evil that precipitated the need for the Cross. Evil that would have you live in bondage.

Revelation 3: 14-18 NIV 14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

While apathetic people stood by, Christ was mentally abused, brutally tortured and then nailed to the cross. Yes, this was the plan but can you see why it was needed? They crucified…. executed an innocent man and set a guilty man free. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, allowed them to do this. It was His passion (suffering) that saves us because we are his passion (love)….He allowed it so we can be free from the pain and anguish that the enemy relentlessly pursues us with.

Revelations 3: 1-3 NIV “To the angel[a] of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[b] of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

Choosing to live in bondage is so evil….it gives your power away...the power provided by Christ on that Cross. You are not powerless….You are free….let go and let God.

You can’t run on empty….fill up…..take your time with Jesus…let Him love on you…it’s hard to do His work running on fumes….

Matthew 11:28-30 New International Version (NIV) 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Once you have spent time in the arms of Christ, once He has rejuvenated your spirit, once you are reminded of His incredible selfless sacrifice then and only then with an unburdened heart can you say:

“You suffered so I wouldn’t have to. You took my punishment. What can I do for you Lord?”

And Jesus may say something like…Love the unlovable, feed my sheep, bind the brokenhearted, spread the good news, tell them about Me the way only you can…..just to name a few……. Your assignment will be unique to you…only you can do what He is asking of you. We have unfinished business….His business. Stay in the fight Beloved.

Love, Ms. Wanda, GAC