Nobody Likes a Fair Fight

I used to love a good scrap back in the day. In my law enforcement career, it was often exciting when we had a good foot chase or the bad guy wanted to tussle. Let me clarify there was never any misconduct on the part of officers but there was a level of excitement when a bad guy squared off. There were two opposing forces and both were bound and determined to not let the other overcome and each side did all they could in their own power to win the fight.

I no longer chase bad guys and most of us are not out anticipating a physical scrap or two throughout the week but that doesn’t mean the spiritual battles don’t come. They may come in the form of a disagreement with a family member, co-worker, or friend. They may be trials that this broken world throws at us or they could be the temptation to sin. When they do come our natural tendencies, at least mine anyway, are to throw our emotional fists up and prepare to duke it out. We can get frustrated at why the other person is doing what they are. We get fired up at the misconduct or misunderstanding of others and we are ready to fight for our self-righteous ground. We want our point of view seen, heard, and fully accepted, and this can be exhausting. But there is great encouragement in God’s Word.
 
The Bible repeatedly tells us that the Lord will fight for us. I did some in-depth research, and Google says that there are around 365 times the Bible says in some way that God will fight for us. That's once a day. What an encouragement!

We all face some sort of battle every day but we can take comfort that if our faith is in our Savior, He is fighting for us. One of the greatest ways God fights for us is in the truth of His Word. The Bible is instructions for life, every day life. When battles come, our response should not be to tighten our emotional fists, but simply ask what does the Bible have to say about this?
 
Here are a few examples:
 When an argument arises-  “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9

When we see injustice in the world- Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:19

When temptation comes- No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Cor. 10:13

When it comes to Biblical truth simply let the Word of God speak. First ask yourself what God’s Word says about the issue, then point others to that truth and trust the living and active Word, empowered by the Spirit to take up the battle for you. It is a lot less exhausting and God fights better than we ever could anyway.
 
I love you guys and am so thankful to be your pastor.