Welcome to Day 24 of our 40 day countdown to Easter 2019. This is How I Fight My Battles. Have you heard the story about the two women in the laundry mat chatting? One talked about how her husband was miserable all the time. Things at work didn't go well, he seldom found anything to really entertain him, their house was in need of repair and when they went to church, they didn't like the singing or preaching.
The other woman said her husband was a joyful and excited man! She talked about how he loved going to church and always found something meaningful in the sermons. She described the way they laugh together and despite difficult moments, have learned to enjoy their family. After that, it was very quiet in the laundry mat as the two wives were sewing their husbands' pants. The interesting thing about that scene is that one was patching the seat of the pants, while the other was patching the knees of the pants.
YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON THE DECISIONS YOU MAKE
It's up to you to decide the kind of life you will live. Will you burn a hole in the seat of your pants grappling with the trials and tests of this world, or will you burn holes in the knees of your pants fighting your battles in prayer?
In John 16:33, Jesus plainly tells us that we will have trials and tests in the world but our victory depends on whether we receive or reject the life He offers. He said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." So if you're in Christ, you are equipped to overcome the trials and tribulation that the world throws at you.
This Easter season, we encourage you to spend time in prayer. Don't fight those battles alone. Fight them with Jesus, on your knees in prayer. Join hands with other believers and pray about things, both good and bad. Read your Bible, memorize a scripture or two. Then speak those words of faith over situations that are causing worry and robbing you of precious time.
Here are a few of my favorite scriptures to confess...
Psalm 27:1 - The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?
1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Isaiah 41:13 - For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
SET PRIORITIES IN ORDER
A closer look at the first husband will reveal that his priority was to seek peace in his personal life, not his spiritual life. Well, both were in shambles. Meanwhile, the second husband's priority was his spiritual life. As a result, his personal life became a reflection of his spiritual life. One was trying to fix his life by seeking peace at work, home and through entertainment, while the other husband made a relationship with Jesus his priority. That's when the other areas of life fall in order.
Pray with us...
Lord, I will fight my battles on my knees in prayer. But I need Your wisdom and strength to calm my heart and focus my mind to stop fighting with human efforts alone. I release anger and anxiety. I give up my plans and accept Your plans. My hopes and dreams are in your hands. Shape my days, renew my conversations and refresh my soul with Your presence. Come in to my heart. I invite You into my life. I ask You to lead me through the paths of darkness and dismay. Keep me from making dangerous decisions or walking into traps. Beginning today and every day, my relationship with You is my priority. I am so thankful for your mercy and grace, to save me and make me whole. In the name of Jesus, AMEN!
~Inspiring hope and seasoning faith, Pastor Sean