How Do You Fight Your Battles?

Today, each one of us are in the midst of a war.  A battle that is threatening to defeat us if dealt just one more blow from the enemy. 

It's Not Who You Think!

Would it surprise you to discover that the enemy you "think" you're fighting is not really the true enemy at all?  You would be the exception if, like most of us, you see your un-invited circumstances as your enemy.  Or maybe you see other's around you as the enemy. Could your enemy look like the disease or the grief that haunts you every day? Or is your enemy you? So many of us are convinced that we are our own worst enemy, right?

Although it may feel like these things are the enemy - NONE of THEM are.  The one you're fighting, right now, today, is much more devious and incredibly more powerful than the ones mentioned above. And, in God's word (referred to as the sword) we learn that there is no way for us to win these battles against this enemy!

Good News!

But wait - don't despair yet.  Here's the good news! (good at least, if you're on the right side) - Bad, if you're trying to fight this enemy yourself!!!!!   Please don't do that! I promise you - you won't win!

Instead, I'm going to teach you a simple way to take up arms and fight your way to victory! It doesn't matter what your battle, the enemy we're fighting is one in the same.

I don't usually do this in my blogs, but I'm going to forgo any illustrations today and go straight to some information that you can resource and fact-check anytime you want. It comes straight from the Lord of Heaven's Armies, Himself.  (God) Everything I've listed below, has been taken and recorded in the archives of what our Commander refers to as, the Sword - A place where truth can be found and the battle plan for victory followed. Ready? 

Oh, wait.  Just a quick note about the material below and the best way to digest it. I want to invite you to read these text as I do often times in my own worship.  Times when I need to be reminded of God's presence in my life.  And especially those times when I feel like I'm losing the battle against the attacks of the devil. 

What Not to Do.

First, what you shouldn't do. You should not attempt to read through all of these text at once. (without doing it the way I'm about to suggest of course)  That could actually be more overwhelming than comforting because the Bible has SOOOO much to say about this topic.  (and I have only touched on a few here!).

What to Do

What I do want you to do is, save this blog somewhere so you can reference it any time you're ready.  Then, if not now, whenever you have a few minutes to sit down and read them, I want you to.....

Do It This Way. 

First, I need you to get a pair of ear plugs (we all have them, right?) and then find the song - This is How I Fight My Battles (Surrounded) by Kari Jobe.  Sit somewhere comfortable and ready to just listen as you begin to read through the text one by one. If you're still reading when the song ends, play it again if you wish. (that's what I do) In fact, I've been known to push that button up to 4 or 5 times in one setting.

As you listen and read, I feel very confident you'll begin to understand the full meaning of fighting your battles with God's sword in hand.  Enjoy my friend.  I hope it will bless and strengthen you as it has me over many battle sessions.  Oh, and I have to tell you - with this sword in hand - I find I win the battle every time!!!!  And So Will You.  

Until next time my friend -

This is Coach Teri - fulfilling my purpose so you can fulfill yours.

RESOURCES FOR THE BATTLE: (NIV)   Don't forget the ear plugs!

Who is the King of glory? (He is) The LORD, strong and mighty; the LORD, invincible in battle.  Psalm 24:8

For the LORD your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory! Deuteronomy 20:4

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world… Ephesians 6:12

He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.  Psalm 18:34

With God’s help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes.  Psalm 108:13

Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid… Psalm 27:3

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High, will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

The LORD gives his people strength. He is a safe fortress…. Psalm 29:11

The LORD is my strength and shield. Psalm 28:8

This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.   2 Chronicles 20:15

My enemies retreated; they staggered and died when you appeared. Psalm 9:3

You have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued my enemies under my

feet.   Psalm 18:39

In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.  Psalm18:29

He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.  Psalm 91:4

He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. Psalm 18:30

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High, will find rest in the Shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. Psalm 91:1-2

I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. Psalm 16:8

He is my shield, the power that saves me and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my

Savior…Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid...  Psalm 27:3

The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted! Psalm18:46

...The Lord is my fortress; my God is the mighty rock where I hide. Psalm 94:22

In your strength I can crush an army,  with my God I can scale any wall. Psalm 8:29

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my Savior: my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.  Psalm 18:1-2

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.  Isaiah 41:10

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My Victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.  Psalm 62:5-7

The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us...   Psalm 46:11

O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O LORD? You are entirely faithful.   Psalm 89:8

Your faithfulness extends to every generation.   Psalm 119:90

                 ....Which means - these promises are as applicable today as they were when they were spoken to the patriarchs before us.