10 Reasons to Stand in the Midst of Battle

Drums pounding, enthusiasm rising, battle lines drawn, warriors clothing themselves in armor, charging forward toward the front lines.

The momentum is contagious. Cheering, shouting, and promises of victory drives the multitude onward expectant toward the victory.

However, the front lines are loud, messy. Shouting fades and all that's seen is pain and difficulty.

Doubts start trickling in, hesitancy, questioning, thoughts of returning to where it's safe start ringing in people's ears.

Another gets drowsy. Looking around, weary, her legs start aching from the journey.

Too weak to stand or take one more step, she stops, lays down, & drifts off to sleep right there on the front lines with the bombs blasting, wounded weeping, the shooting blasting.

Has she forgotten this is war?

The above analogy seems ridiculous, doesn't it?  But it happens every day. Those on the front lines get targeted, lose hope, embrace discouragement...or just get weary, and either start sleeping or retreat from the mission.

However, Jesus came to change the way we live missionally, His Spirit equipping us to take new territory, declaring His great name.

Here are ten reasons to put on our armor, strengthen your legs, get your footing, and stand when the wars of this life rage...

1. Others are watching. What will be our testimony? Will we stand and press forward, living bold and courageous, or will we shrinking in fear and unbelief. Scripture says, we are lights set upon a hill. (Matt 5:14-16) The darker life gets, the brighter we must shine.
   
   
2. God has not given us a spirit of fear. Some say, walk forward despite fear, but scripture clearly tells us, “Do not fear”."Whom shall I fear? The Lord is my the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?" (Psalms 27:1, Deut. 20:1, Isa 41:10)
   
   
3. Gods calls His people to rise. Over and over again, Jesus instructed His followers to "rise"; the leper (Luke 17:19), Lazarus (John 11:38-44), etc. Even Christ himself, wasn't defeated by death...he rose. Shouldn't we too?
   
   
4. God loves the broken and weak. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”. (Ps 34:18)
   
   
5. The battle has changed. No longer do we need to fear, tremble, fight any battle in our own strength. Scriptures tells us, the fullness of His Spirit is in us (Duet 20:4), He goes before us and drive out our enemies (Duet 33:27), He is the one who fights for us (Exodus 14:14), our weapons of warfare are not carnal (2 Cor 10:4), we don't have to use any might or power, it's by His Spirit we will win. (Zec 4:6)
   
   
6. God breathes into dry bones. Feeling lifeless, weary, dead in your ability to stand on the front lines today? Don't forget, God breathed life into Adam, and His Spirit into the bones in the valley, He can breathe life into us today too, giving us newstrength to carry on. (Ez 37:1-14)
   
   
7. We are not in this battle alone. Feeling isolated, useless, weary, or alone in the battle today? God promises to be with us, and because of this, we are never alone. (2 Chro 20:17)
   
   
8. There is a reward for those who carry on. "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trail; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." (James 1:12)
   
   
9. This battle is temporary. Rev. 21:4 tells us, one day He will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more death, or mourning, crying, or pain. Exciting, right?
   
   
10. He will prevail. "The Lord will go forth like a warrior, he will arouse His zeal like a man of war He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry, He will prevail against His enemies.” (Isaiah 42:13)
    
     
    
    Can't you hear Him call us today, "Wake up, oh sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you"? (Eph 5:14) Isn't it time we as Missional Women stand, rise with His light, trust His Spirit, and live how He has called us too...Victorious on the front line.
    

About Jen

Though born, raised, and still living only miles from where she grew up, Jen's heart lies in the nations. Jen loves the beautiful tapestry found in the wide diversity of people, different cultures, and all nations.  Jen and her husband have been married twenty years, and have parented fifteen kids and counting; twelve foster, one adopted, and two bios.  Her multi-racial family reflects her passion for unity, desire for faith without walls, and missional mindset to share both the gospel and the power of redemption to a world desperately needing the hope found in Jesus Christ. Jen and her husband have led in a variety of ministries; including prayer, small groups, children's, and women’s.  Jen advocates for the orphan as a board member for the non-profit, A New Song; and loves doing missions work internationally, along with her family.  You can find Jen writing about faith, while challenging her readers at her blog, Rich Faith Rising, as well as at tweeting faith-filled messages @Jen_Avellaneda .  Jen is also on facebook. 

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