Reason #475

We have forgotten how to fight. How to stand up for what is right, for what we believe, for our convictions, and for our faith. And so we walk away and give up. We throw in the towel because it just seems easier to go with emotion rather than to fight. Fighting is hard and it hurt. Whether you are fighting for you life, for rights, equality, your marriage, your safety, or your beliefs. No one likes to fight. Fighting is exhausting, it’s very difficult, and it’s hard to go through a fight without feeling a sense of defeat somewhere along the way.

 

One time I read this little saying on a Facebook post that said, “God gives the toughest battles to His strongest warriors.” And while that is flattering, I’d rather think that God doesn’t give us any battle in which He knows we will not be victorious. Because we are warriors, all of us. But maybe it doesn’t have to do with strength, rather bravery. Maybe it has more to do with will and determination than might.

 

My heart is heavy today. Hurting for a friend who is fighting what may appear to be a downhill battle from the outside. Fighting is hard. Fighting hurts, and what seems to hurt the most is when you are battling alone. Fighting for what is right, for what you believe, for what you feel convicted to do and being the only one to do it. Ecclesiastes talks about the benefit of two.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

 

Two can fight together, two can fight against each other, two can choose not to fight at all, two can choose to give up, and one of the two can chose to fight. There are a few combinations here and really only one that works. And so what happens when you fight alone? What happens when it seems you aren’t being fought for? There is a benefit to two.

 

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor…
"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. - 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

 

If either of them falls down, one can help the other up…
"He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." - Psalm 40:2

 

If two lie down together, they will keep warm…
"In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety." - Psalm 4:8

 

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
"Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you       today...The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” - Exodus 14:13-14

 

Two are better than one. And I’m so grateful that we serve a God who is always our better half. Who will never leave or forsake us. A God who will help us labor and then allow us to enjoy the fruits of that labor, who will pick us up when we fall, who will comfort us with His presence when we lie down in the dark of night, and who will defend us and fight to the death for us.

 

You are worth the fight, my friend. Don’t give up and don’t you believe anything less. 

 

#475 - Because He fights for us, with us.

 

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9