If you’re not under fire, then you’re probably still in the foxhole.
Each day is a battle, and as Christians, Jesus promised we would face plenty of enemy fire as we make the decision to follow Him on a daily basis. Scripture tells us we have a relentless enemy who will stop at nothing to try to separate us from the Lord.
As soon as we choose to step out of the foxhole and into the fray each day, there is no question the bullets and arrows will fly. But knowing there is a battle being waged should never keep us from stepping boldly into the fight.
Why? Because there are countless promises in His word that tell us we are not fighting alone, and the fight we fight has already been won.
Above all, we are first reminded the name we fight for, and fight to represent, is One who has already overcome everything we are already facing. The writer of Hebrews gives us assurance of this. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need,” Hebrews 4:15-16, ESV
There is no weapon you face He has not faced before you and conquered. He struggled as you struggle, but endured to the cross and conquered death and the grave. So hold fast.
Second, he has given you the armor for the fight, armor which is real, and tangible, and waiting for you to pick up. Paul writes about it in Ephesians 6:10-18. Verse 12 and 13 tell us there is nothing we cannot withstand it we have the courage to take up the armor each day.
Third, remember you always have brothers in sisters fighting with you by your side. I have, more often than I can count, have had others lift with prayer and words of encouragement, and at many of my weakest points, they have carried me when I have lost the strength to push on.
I am reminded of an iconic scene in the movie, “Hacksaw Ridge,” when Army Medic Desmond Doss, without a weapon of is own, risking his own life, runs continuously into an intense firefight to rescue his wounded brothers. Sometimes, you will be the wounded soldier, without the ability to carry on; other times, you will be called on to be Doss, running into the heat of the fight, to rescue your brothers and sisters.
In either case, have no fear, the battle has already been won.
Finally, we have the hope of assured victory in front of us if we remain in the fight. What is promised is so much greater than what you face today.
Paul, often under fire from all sides, writes this message of encouragement to the Corinthian church (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, ESV), “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
Whatever you face today, do not lose heart. There is hope at the end of the battle.
Daniel Kiewel is a reporter with the Great Bend Tribune. He can be reached at dkiewel@gbtribune.com.
