Battles

I heard something this week that has been rattling around in my head:
“In order to have a victory, there needs to be a battle.” ~ Pastor Michael Todd

It’s a little bit of a duh-moment, but still it hit me. We can get a little super spiritual in saying things like: “I have the victory.” or “I am more than a conqueror.” But that means that we have to conquer or overcome something. Do we really get that there is a battle that we are fighting? I’m not sure I completely remember that.

Are we playing to win or are we playing to not lose? That’s two completely different things. When we play to not lose, we do just enough to make it through to the next round. When we play to win, we leave it all out on the field. Elbows out. Earrings off. Go big or go home.

Battles are messy and vulnerable. They show us our strengths and weaknesses. What are we holding onto during the battle? What gives us strength and encouragement? What do we cling to when we are alone in the dark, staring down our enemy?

Some of the darkest times of my biggest battles is when I have been alone. My mind creates all the worst scenarios and if I let it go unchecked, I am a pile of mush defeated before I got off the bench. We need people to fight with us.

“You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” ~ Margaret Thatcher

Battles, like life, can be progressive. Where we start off is not where we will end up. They may not always be a won and done deal. Some battles are life-long. Some come and go. Whatever each battle looks like, we will have them. “…We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know we are destined for such troubles. 1 Thessalonians 3:2b-3

Who wouldn’t want this cute Ninja Turtle on their side?

I was thinking about some battles we have:
* our kiddos: we may have a different battle every day to get them to take a nap, a bath or put their pj’s on. Some hills are not worth dying on, like if they want to wear that princess dress to the store. But do we remember in the midst of the mundane that there is a force plotting how to take our kids out? We can fight for their future and purpose. We can speak life over them. Even if you are not a momma, you know some kids that need you to do battle for them.

* our work: maybe God is challenging you with a difficult situation and you are being asked to walk in grace when you’d rather do “rope a dope” like Muhammad Ali. Or maybe you feel like you need to step out in an area.

“So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.” Hebrews 10:35-36 (NLT)

* ourselves: we made a smooth path around that mountain we keep walking. Our theme song could be: “She’ll be coming around the mountain when she comes.” Is it our self-talk? Insecurity? Pride? Loneliness? Eating? Not eating? Patience? Frustration? Feeling powerless? Disappointed?

PSA: Don’t. Don’t. Don’t add guilt (what I did) or shame (who I am) to the battle. They will cripple you in the fight, which is hard enough. AND I don’t care if this is the 1000th time dealing with that, we have layers. Work through the layers.

"“In my anguish I cry to You, lord. Answer me by setting me free! You, the Lord, are with me; I will not be afraid. The Lord is with me; He is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemy.” Psalm 118:5-7

I don’t know what battle you are fighting, but I pray that you know … beyond a shadow of a doubt … that you are NOT alone. You are loved. You are seen.

“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 (NLT)

Have the most amazing day, warrior of God.

All MY Love,
Jodi xoxo

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