Life can be a hard place to live, what is required is a desire to keep moving forward, of living for the Lord and fighting the battle daily in His name:
Running the race with endurance is what we are called to do. So that when we are done in this world we can say:
And He is quick to equip us for the battle, for the fight:
It is not an easy battle, which I find out daily, with deeper understanding and a testing of my resolve. But it is a battle, a fight, a race I look to be in for the long run. Some days I make more progress than others, but as my pastor said yesterday, you can either gripe or fight.
I choose battle.
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NASB)
Running the race with endurance is what we are called to do. So that when we are done in this world we can say:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. 2Timothy 4:7 (NASB)
And He is quick to equip us for the battle, for the fight:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Ephesians 6:10-20 (NASB)
It is not an easy battle, which I find out daily, with deeper understanding and a testing of my resolve. But it is a battle, a fight, a race I look to be in for the long run. Some days I make more progress than others, but as my pastor said yesterday, you can either gripe or fight.
I choose battle.
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