Fight Back!
This picture of my nephew at the beach, with the Verrazano bridge as the backdrop, is one of my favorite pictures. The specific features in this image that draw me in are the clouds in their perspective formation and my nephew facing them, weapon in hand pointed towards them, and wearing a war cry.
There is a time for everything.
And sometimes we need to fight back!
When the storm clouds kick in,
we have to look them straight in face,
come boldly and say,
"I am fighting back. You don’t win."
But how?
God shows us in Ephesians 6:10-18.
Put on the Armor of God.
But first, recognize the enemy.
Sometimes we think it’s the person or people closest to us in our homes, jobs, in the subway, or maybe even in our church, but it’s not. It’s the enemy using his schemes to stop us from doing what we need to and have been called to do on earth, within the specific places where we reside in our neighborhoods and home.
You don’t think the devil can perceive the anointing on your life? You don’t think the devil knows that if you were set free and were boldly and faithfully walking in your God-given purpose that it would cause havoc for his works of destruction of souls on this earth?
Just like what you can perceive from your children, close friends or from anyone you have taken the time to get to know. I have family, friends, students, and colleagues that I can perceive greatness from them and they don’t even know it. I have also experienced this at times with some strangers. By the end of the conversation, we realize that we both share the same Father. And to others that are not confirmed, I think, I’ll see you in the kingdom one day.
It’s interesting how we can see the majestic light and fire in others and sometimes they don’t see it themselves. I believe they feel it but are held back by fear, insecurities, and guilt, which I know so well. So I get it. But those are the chains the enemy uses to keep you from walking in your call.
I urge you to fight back!
Don’t acquire or inherit the enemy’s lies, his characteristics and his poisonous fruits. Choose and say, "No más."
Sometimes the enemy is our own flesh. Our spirit wants to push forward but our flesh is tired, lazy, lacking spiritual muscle strength and will.
Fight Back!
Don’t be ruled by the weakly flesh but follow what your spirit wants, which is to follow the strong and mighty Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit.
Robe yourself with the Holy Spirit's majestic fruits.
I know it’s hard, but if you walk by the Spirit, you won’t have time , energy, or desire to walk by those fleshly pulls.
Think like an athlete who trains consistently, routinely, and practices, pushing the body to do what is called to achieve the goal. He does it, not only for himself; but more consequently, because he is part of team and he has his teammates relying on him to bring his best to the game so they can all win.
So, Fight Back!
Be all that God has called you to be as you walk by the Spirit, which testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Choose that every moment within every day, one day at a time.
Stand up and point that weapon against whatever storm of the enemy coming at you. Don’t be afraid, God is with you.
Just as bold as my little nephew dared to address these rain clouds that threatened our sun-filled summer day. Look at it without fear because you have the assurance of being safe from it. See, my nephew knew that whether it rained or shined, his Titi/Auntie Adrienne was going to take care of him and make sure that he had a great time. And he did!
In the same way, God gives us the assurance that He is always there to protect us, strengthen us and uphold (defend, justify, promote, advocate, confirm) us.
He makes sure that ALL things work out.
So, we can stand boldly in Christ, our Strong Tower, and point our arrow at what comes knowing that it is finished!
And we have the victory.
Amen.
To God be the glory forevermore!
Bible Inspiration
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
“You need to persevere, so that after you have done God's will, you will receive what He has promised.” Hebrews 10:36
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3
“The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near.
So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and
put on the armor of light.”
Romans 13:12
There is a tremendous Podcast series from Christ Tabernacle titled Battle Ready. Pastors go through the Armor of God to teach us how to be armed and ready to fight back. I encourage you to check it out: Link, titles and dates to look for HERE.