STOP RUNNING AND FIGHT!!!

I have friends and family who have chosen to serve our country in many different branches of the military. While I have never enlisted and don’t have actual experiences in this area I’ll admit, I’ve always been fascinated by the actual process of becoming a soldier. There are many hours of preparation and training that are required. Basic training has many facets. First, one must learn discipline. This includes physical and psychological discipline. Soldiers have to learn how to obey exact instructions and react without thinking in certain situations.  Your actions must become second nature, almost a reflex.  Soldiers are taught lessons in respect of the chain of command, staying calm in emergency situations, and more. This process also requires soldiers to go through a certain amount of weapons training. It’s more than simply shooting a gun. You must know the proper technique in how to hold and aim the gun, how to clean and maintain it, as well as learning how to use other weapons such as grenades. A soldier learns lessons in communication using hand signals, radios, and how to interact with their team quickly and concisely. There are lessons in surviving living conditions that range from imprisonment to extreme environmental conditions (staying warm in cold conditions/stay cool in hot conditions). As a soldier, one is trained how to attack and protect themselves from attack. Following basic training, most will go on to learn specific skills in a particular area (military police, medical work, driving tanks, and more). Becoming a solider in the US military is more than simply making a decision to be involved. It requires preparation and hard work to be prepared for battle.

The same can be said of Christians. Becoming a believer is more than simply deciding to enlist. Being a Christian is going to require preparation, training, and hard work to prepare for the wars we will fight. Becoming a Christian is, in fact, becoming a solider in the kingdom of God. Many join the ranks but never move beyond their initial commitment. Those soldiers are of no use to the kingdom. One of the most important parts of our fight will be our attire. The word of God instructs us in Ephesians 6, “Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.…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.” [vs 13-17] As I was reading over this portion of scripture recently I realized there was nothing to protect the persons backside. In that same moment I felt the Holy Spirit say, “That’s because you were never meant to run away from a fight!” Soldiers are trained for battle, not for retreating. Too many times we get tired of fighting and we’re happy to settle for half of our blessing. We stop at half-best because we’re not willing to put in the time and effort to fight the enemy for what God has promised. Today I encourage all of us (myself included)…..STOP RUNNING AND FIGHT!

Closing remarks and encouragement: The word of God reminds us, “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” [James 4:7] We would like to think that process would be a quick and easy….but it never is. Unfortunately, God didn’t give us a time table revealing how long we would have to resist the devil. The only way to deal with a bully is to fight back. Eventually, the devil and his minions are going to get tired and leave us alone….at least for a little while. Don’t grow weary! Whether you’re at the beginning, middle, or approaching the end of a battle make sure you’re suited up, stay strong, and fight back!

Have a blessed week, my friends!

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