The Battles We Fight: Lessons on Perseverance and Purpose
Recently, there was a major boxing match that made headlines worldwide. Money was made, and social media buzzed with excitement before, during, and after the fight. People watched and called it entertainment. However, what often goes unnoticed are the countless struggles that happen every day, battles that don't make the news. People are fighting for their very survival due to a lack of food, medical care, or resources. Others are fighting to keep their marriages intact or to guide their children down a moral path.
Fighting takes strength, energy, and time. Often, during these struggles, people experience pain, misunderstanding, and at times, they may even feel completely defeated. The Bible is full of stories about battles—both physical and spiritual. Samson fought the Philistines, David faced off against Goliath, and Saul (later known as Paul) fought against the early believers until God stopped him on the road to Damascus. After that, Paul fought for opportunities to lead others to Christ.
Fighting is a part of life. At times, we all feel like giving up, throwing in the towel, and walking away. But when we quit, we lose. We might lose our lives, our loved ones, or our sense of purpose. It's important to take time to reflect on what truly matters to us and to determine what we're willing to fight for—at any cost.
As Colossians 3:23 reminds us, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."
Once you've determined what you're willing to fight for, it's not just about putting in effort—it's about fighting with all your heart and preparing for the battle ahead. Before David fought Goliath, he carefully selected his stones and made sure his slingshot was ready. Similarly, before you face your challenges, take a moment to assess what you'll need for the fight, what it will cost, and how you'll approach it. Most importantly, make sure you have God's guidance and strength with you every step of the way.
When the time comes, give it everything you've got.