Fight to Protect What Is Rightfully Yours Devotional Reading and Podcast
Equipped For Life
If we perceive life as overwhelming, we quickly forget the spiritual gifts we were given and lose our sense of purpose in our earthly journey. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). Although we have received all that we need along with a measure of faith to live productive lives, many allow emotions to guide their response to life's challenges and they do not understand their purpose.
Knowing God's Purpose—Why Am I Here?
We were created to worship God, witness, help others, and live happy and healthy lives. The intentional act of putting God first allows us to maintain our spiritual priorities. Through surrender, prayer, and study of the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit gives us the daily strength to achieve our activities of daily living, build our relationship with Christ, and perform our spiritual assignments.
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)
We do not have to wander through life aimlessly. The believer's life has a definitive purpose. Jesus commands us to go and make disciples which can be accomplished not only in person, but we also have access to reach and witness globally using the advancements of technology.
By fulfilling our spiritual assignment and using our gifts and talents, our obedience to God ensures that we receive benefits only given to the righteous. God's Divine intervention, spiritual strength, provisions for that day, protection from physical harm and spiritual warfare along with many other blessings are reserved for the faithful.
Our perception of God is demonstrated by our strengths and weaknesses. If we believe God is Loving, Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent, and He always keeps His promises then we will possess endurance, perseverance, courage, strength, and power! Do we believe that God is faithful? Does He keep His promises? Steadfast faith and trust allow us to maintain joy and peace despite our circumstances.
Endurance and Perseverance
Yesterday morning, I prayed for an increase in faith. A few minutes later, sitting at my window, I watched a small bird pecking in the grass for food. Although it took time and effort to find something to eat, the bird persevered until it came to the area that provided nourishment, ate, and flew away.
Courage, Strength, and Power
Have you ever watched a documentary on lions? The pride or family consists of one dominant male and one to two lionesses and their cubs. The lion's pride is socially structured and based on specific roles. Lionesses are the primary hunters and the dominant males are responsible for protecting their pride and territory.
Observing their behaviors teaches us something about knowing who you are. Regardless of peaceful times or threatening situations, lions hold their heads up and strut when they walk. They are fearless! The dominant male will fight to protect his pride and the lioness will fight to protect her cubs. Lions continue the battle until the opponent runs away or they are fatally wounded.
Where is our strength? "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." --Joshua 1:9
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." --Ephesians 6:10-11
Believers we belong to the Most-High God! "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…(1 Peter 2:9).
We are not speaking about possessing a heart full of pride. Our courage and confidence are founded in God. The righteous belong to God. We have a Father who loves and protects us. Jesus promised to never leave or forsake us, to be with us until the end of the world.
"It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear." --Isaiah 65:24
God is not asking us to be stoic. When facing the vicissitudes of life which include spiritual warfare, tribulations, and sorrows, even when tears will not cease, and we feel defeated, call on the name of the Lord! The human effort of praying for Divine help unleashes the power of the Almighty.
"...The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16). Our prayers are based on our faith in God. Be honest about the status of your faith. The father of the boy in Mark chapter 9, verse 24, cried with tears, "…Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" Confess to God that your faith is weak, still, ask for help!
Like the lion, we must have confidence and courage every day of our earthly journey. Unlike the lion who depends on its strength to win battles, we have a Spiritual Team, God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and guardian angels who are ready to intervene 24/7. "The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace" (Exodus 14:14).
The apostle Paul explains our responsibility in this journey of life. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Ephesians 6:12-13).
Do not focus on your circumstances! Through consistent worship, we keep our focus on Jesus. Remaining faithful and courageous requires us to pray, obey, and trust in God. God keeps us on a need-to-know basis. Faith grows from placing 100% confidence in God. Day by day, we receive spiritual fortification by praying for the guidance, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit every day.
"No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier" (2 Timothy 2:4).
Stay in His presence with the determination of remaining steadfast. We are in this world, but not of this world. Do not become distracted by people who do not desire eternal life. Rebuke the temptation of worldly pleasures. Place time constraints on involvement in social issues. Politics will not produce a righteous character. Nothing that we own will be taken into the next life. Even earthly marriages will not exist in heaven [Matthew 22:30].
"And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work." --Revelation 22:12
Brothers and Sisters, with courage, fight every day for what is rightfully yours--the reward of eternal life.
Prayer: God, we thank You for equipping us with power, love, and a sound mind. We thank You for the privilege to call on Your name to receive Divine Intervention to fight against spiritual warfare. We confess that our faith is weak and we ask You to give us strength as we persevere to remain steadfast. In Jesus' mighty name, we pray. Amen.
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