The testing of a warrior...

What I've been learning lately...

So many Christians expect an easy life. I have to admit that this makes me sick. What makes us think that serving the Lord will be an easy task? We are called to be warriors, to combat evil and take back what has been stolen... this is never a walk in the park. Soldiers do not go into battle clothed in their best with smiles on their faces. They prepare themselves physically and mentally for what is coming. They are serious about what they have been asked to do, about the duties they are expected to perform.

We should have the same mindset. We are warriors, and we should start acting like it. We should stop thinking life will be all daisies and sunshine, and instead prepare daily for impending battles. And when the battles come along, we shouldn't be caught off guard or surprised. No indeed, we should be happy they've come, because it means we're advancing the kingdom of our Lord.

James 1:2-8
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does."

So many Christians find themselves in the midst of a battle and continually complain about it. Let's look at this from a spiritual perspective so you can all understand what I'm talking about... Trials and tests come along at certain points in our lives, and we tend to view them as troublesome. We question God, and even wonder why He has left us to endure hardships.
Stop!! Stop seeing the bad in every situation. Praise God in the good times, and in the hard times. In fact, change your perspective. Yes, you're going through a rough time, but the Lord is still there and He is still with you. He will never leave you or forsake you. Believe it.

Think about the situation in this light... the Lord is testing you, he is purifying your heart. He wants to take you through the battle so that in the end you will come out stronger than you were before, with more knowledge and experience so that you are able to help others through their battles. If you give up in the middle of the fight, if you quit now... how easy will it be to quit next time?

James 1:12
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

Be faithful now so that you can be trusted later. I pray that this is our continual prayer...

Psalm 69:6
"May those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me, O Lord, the LORD Almighty; may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me, O God of Israel."

Do not give up. You will come out of the battle, you can endure to the end. You have the strength of the Lord and His power. He is not leading you to certain death; no, he is leading you to certain victory over strongholds and problems in your life.

Jeremiah 29:11
" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' "

Believe it. Become the warrior you were created to be. Stop complaining and worrying about the battles, face them head on and smile at your enemy. You will overcome, because you were given the power to do so a long time ago. Stop listening to the lies and believe the truth.