Many
people give up too soon. They miss the
victory and the celebration because they were over come by how hard something
had become or the pain a situation caused.
Maybe you are like me and have thought of giving up in many different
circumstances and at many different times.
I would believe that all of us would have to say, “YES, I’ve been
there”.
But
let me ask us to stop and think about the consequences of giving up. We might think that giving up only impacts
us, but in reality giving up impacts the people around us as well as the people
who come behind us. Think about it this
way: when we demonstrate courage, keep fighting and press on, we tell others
that they can keep on going. Your life,
your choices and your heart will influence the people around you and even the
people who will hear about you in the future.
People learn from our choices for a very long time.
I
suggest that we need to keep fighting. I
suggest that we cannot give up when we know we are to move forward and reach
for the things that God has put around us.
I believe that we have to make sure we have the tools to help us keep
fighting. These that I will share with
you and living by faith will influence people that you don’t even think you
have connection to.
Who
are the people who have impacted or influenced your life? I can name many different people who have influenced
mine. Some I have had direct contact
with. Others I have only seen from a
distance but are alive at the same time I am.
Still others lived long before I have.
Some were thousands or hundreds of years ago. Some lived only a few years ago. But all of them influenced me.
Here
are some tools that will help us keep fighting:
A final
word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put
on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all
strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting
against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the
unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil
spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece
of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be
standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the
body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace
that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In
addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows
of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your
helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray
in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers
for all believers everywhere. 19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can
boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and
Gentiles alike. 20 I
am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly
for him, as I should.
Pull a
few pieces out of those 11 verses to hold on to when you want to quit. Let these God given truth and weapons and
strengths become what helps you keep fighting or to jeep the faith.
Be strong in the Lord.
Put on God’s armor.
Resist the enemy with what God provides.
Stand your ground because of God’s word.
Pray all the time.
Pray for others too.
You
can chose other pieces that mean much to you.
But what we have to admit is that God keeps us going as we follow Him
and use the resources He provides. Keep
fighting. Keep the faith. Influence others every day!
note:
Pray for the last 2 days Vacation Bible School
day camp at Jack Dalton Park from 10am till noon; also a community event at
Jack Dalton Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30pm (free food, fun and more).
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