Don't give up!

I was reading in Judges 1 this morning--a disappointing story for the Israelites after the glories of victories under Joshua to take the Promised Land. The tribes of Israel, in one way or another, "failed to drive out" the enemies whose land they were to dispossess and which had already been given to them by God.

What were they missing? They had the promise of the Lord's help and complete victory, and they already had the covenant right of ownership to the land and promise of complete prosperity there. They also knew from their experience under Joshua's leadership that when they fought the battles the way the Lord commanded, they won. But how sad to read of their compromise, their failure to press in until the thing was done. They weakened themselves and failed to receive all the goodness the Lord had promised them. Yes, disappointing!

There's such a strong parallel and message here for me, for us, in the battles of life. We have been given "all things pertaining to life and godliness" through Christ's victory, and have the promise of His prevailing victory in every confrontation. We need to press in and declare our victory in faith, and not back down until we have received our answer in full. How do we "battle"? We have Christ's authority, the name of Jesus, His precious Blood, the Word of God, the gift of prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Our victory is assured!

What is it you need today? Are you tempted to let go because the fight of faith is too hard or too long? Don't give up! Your answer might be closer than you know. To give up now might mean living in compromise--a half-answer or none at all. Remember, the Lord has already "given you the land" and rewards those who stay the course.

Bible study:  Judges 1; 1 Peter 1:3; 2 Corinthians 2:14; James 5:11; Luke 10:19; Revelation 12:11; Ephesians 6:17; John 14:16

Equipped to win

Are you fighting a battle today? Weary from your struggle in dealing with the challenges of life, feeling like you might just go down in defeat?

I’ve had a challenging week myself. Sometimes the battles just seem overwhelming, don’t they? Like they’ll never end, never change. Then discouragement sets in and down I go.

But one morning the Lord reminded me of the bigger picture. No soldier is sent to the front lines in a t-shirt and jeans, right?  They are completely outfitted and trained to fight.

The Father knows that we are living in a hostile world, fighting against an enemy who hates us and seeks to work his destruction in our lives. BUT, God did not leave us defenseless. He equipped us perfectly to fight every battle—and win!

Like soldiers who must be trained to use their weaponry, so must we. Mastery comes through knowledge and practice. God has shown us in His Word what’s ours to freely use, and how to use it.

So in the battles of your day, here’s what you have to fight and stand your ground:


The Word of God - what God who cannot lie has said He will do for you if you believe it and act on it in faith.

Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  Ephesians 6:17  (NLT)

The blood of Jesus - deliverance from all sin.

He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins.   Ephesians 1:7  (NLT) 

The name of Jesus - His authority and the right to use it.

You can ask for anything in My name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it!   John 14:13-14  (NLT)

The Holy Spirit - our Helper, Counselor, Advocate (helps you discern the nature of the battle, gives you wisdom how to fight).

And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.   1 Corinthians 2:12  (NLT) 

The gifts of the Spirit - specific helps for every situation.

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.   1 Corinthians 12:7  (NKJV)

Prayer - the living connection to God Himself and His power.

The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.   James 5:16  (NLT)

Holy angels who are on assignment to protect and fight for us.

Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.   Hebrews 1:14  (NLT)

The gift of peace.

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.   John 14:27  (NLT)

The assurance that the Father is at work in every situation for our good.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.    Romans 8:28  (NLT)

The armor of God - a great overview of how to go into each day!

Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.   Ephesians 6:10-18  (NLT)  

Pretty awesome, huh?  Thank You, Lord!

Whatever battle you are facing, remember--you are not defenseless.  The Lord means for you to win and He has provided you with a complete arsenal of weapons to fight and stand your ground until you see the victory!