Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
You are a warrior. I am a warrior. We are warriors. It might not be self-evident when our image is reflected back to us in the mirror. But you my friend, are a warrior.
There are many things we battle against in our lives. It could be an unexpected illness, a marriage we didn’t expect to crumble in ashes around us, or an enemy we fight against unseen.
All of these events can knock us down, wondering where to get up, let alone move forward. It’s in these moments where we need to choose between being a warrior or allowing the enemy to defeat us and keep us down.
See, the enemy of God is also our enemy. When we become a Christian, we inherit eternal life, enter into forgiveness and grace, and receive mercy we don’t deserve.
Something else comes along with this fantastic, awe-inspiring package. It’s an element of not so awesomeness.
We receive an enemy. An enemy we need to fight against readily.
I want to point out immediately; we do not have to fear this enemy. Jesus has already defeated Satan on the cross at Calvary.
This enemy has plans to bring us harm and take us down whenever there is a chance. In John 10:10 (NKJV) it says, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.”
Our enemy pulls no punches. He knows the exact arrows to sling at our soul to pierce our hearts. There are times where this piercing stops us; pushes the air out of our lungs with the force of the whisper. It says, “You’re not enough. You’re not worth the effort. You have nothing to say or contribute, therefore, stay silent.”
The enemy wants to keep us from God’s best for us. He uses these lies to hurt us to the point where we can’t move toward the goal God has put before us. While the enemy may knock us down, God has already provided a way for us to get up again.
The enemy wants to keep us from God’s best for us. While the enemy may knock us down, God has already provided a way for us to get up again. Share on XHow do we get back up again?
We fight the lies of the enemy with God’s Truth.
When we hear that we are not enough, read 2 Corinthians 3:5 (NLT), where it says, “It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.”
When we hear that we’re not worth the effort, read Matthew 6:26 (NLT), where it says, “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?”
When we hear that we have nothing to contribute or say, read Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
God provides an answer and rebuttal to every single one of the enemy’s lies. Leaning into God and trusting what He’s given us whether it be trials or blessings is for our best, will make us better warriors for Him.
On this Memorial Day weekend, celebrate all warriors, including the one in yourself.
Do you see yourself as a warrior? Why or why not? Share it in the comments below to encourage others.