It’s a Battlefield

How often do we think of our lives as a battle? And when we do, how often are we willing to engage in that battle? That has been a question God continuously brings to my mind but it’s always followed with: who do you let fight? Is victory up to you? Or is it the Lord’s?

The people that know me best would definitely say I’m a fighter. Honestly, it can be one of my least favorite things they say about me at times because I know how often it’s gotten me into trouble, even though it can also help me. Fighting through life isn’t always the best way to get through life if I’m honest. It’s only a good thing when you know how to fight for the right thing. Making yourself ‘strong enough’ to win the battles isn’t what’s always the healthiest.

A few years ago, God brought me to Exodus 14:14 when I was trying to desperately fight my way to okay. It says “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” And WOW I was convicted. I have always been so quick to put it upon myself to fix things and overcome whatever challenge was in front of me yet, I had come against something I could in no way fight on my own. The only problem was many days in that season left me unsure of how to even touch my sword or pick up my head. There was no way I could will my way through to a victory.

Fast forward to today and God has taught me so many things about what it means for HIM to fight for me. Because I did not overcome that hard season on my own nor have I gotten to where I am today by simple will power.

But life is life and I have found myself, yet again, in a season where I want to be the one that fights the battle. A battle I know I can’t win on my own but I want to KNOW that I am victorious in the end. Because overcoming is essential to me. It feels like a life or death matter sometimes. Of course I need to know.

Except I already know I’m on the winning side. I already know I hold victory in my hands. And you better believe it has NOTHING to do with me.

Last week, God used one of my best friends to show me a song. The lyrics are simply the phrases ‘This is how I fight my battles” and “It may look like I’m surrounded but I’m surrounded by You” repeated over and over as a declaration.

And in that one song it was like God reminded me of what He’s already taught me. (That’s always fun.)

See, I’m not the one really fighting my battles. I may be called into action, yes. But I’m NEVER the one that can claim victory. EVERY victory I have has been won through the Lord. My battles are fought on my knees and through worship.

There is always a difference when I try to fight my own way versus when I surrender to the Lord and allow Him to fight for me. When I attempt to put it upon myself, it never fails that I end up tired and frustrated and hurt. But when God has it, even if the direction He leads isn’t comfortable, it always turns out ten times better.

I could really go on and on about where the Lord has gotten me as opposed to my own stubbornness. But I won’t because that’s a lot.

Whatever battles are going around you today, just ask yourself who you’re letting fight. Are you trying to push yourself desperately and aimlessly towards what you see as victory? Or are you sitting with God and seeking Him? Are you asking Him to fight for you as you stay still until HE says move?

And if anyone wants to listen to the song here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoAqymNcBTk&feature=youtu.be