Relentless

“The world is so strong here.”

I think I’ve said that a thousand times since we moved. And it’s true. We’re seeing it everywhere...in our boy’s schools, in their sports, their classmates, their teachers, in our work place, even in the church. There is a resistance to God and His spirit here like nothing I’ve ever imagined. Not only do so many here not know Him, but they seem to have no need to know Him and no desire to try.

We’ve been fighting it since we moved. This spirit is almost overwhelming at times. Generally, I’m a great “fighter”. I try hard to stand for what’s right. I work to stand for what’s best for our family, our lives and what lines up with God’s word and I’m, kind of, immovable (which may or may not always be a good thing J). I’ve "fought" against parents, teachers, schools, bullies, coaches, unfair laws, the state of Texas…I’m really not afraid of much. Generally. The past few days, weeks and months our family has battled like never before. I have prayed, fasted, anointed, confessed, and even posted scripture all over our home just to keep His spirit ever visible and present. I have pressed in.

This has been another tough week. I had to confront another issue at Taylor’s school regarding one of his teachers and Another very inappropriate movie that was shown and suffice it to say, the semester is over tomorrow and I’m thankful. So today, I’m tired. But I’m also, home alone all day for the first time in a very long time. It’s snowing, finally, and the roads are awful, so I’m “working” from here. I’ve been determined today to be refreshed. Thought I’d take this time to renew my spirit and find God again. I need to see His glory.

I Need To See His Face.

In going thru my favorite scriptures this morning, this is what I came upon:

"What separates those who are defeated by life from those who rule in life is the knowledge that battles and conflicts are inevitable, and that--unlike the natural person--we have power over whatever may come against us. So we can, and must, fight relentlessly until the battle is won.”

Relentless, John Bevere

It is certain that death ruled because of one man’s (Adam) failure. It’s even more certain that those who receive God’s overflowing kindness and the gift of His righteousness will rule in life because of one man - Jesus Christ.
(Romans 5:17)

Then it hit me:

I can only be “more than a conqueror” when I'm in a battle.  I HAVE to fight. I am called to fight back.

The world will come against us and Yes, the world is strong, but IN HIM, we are stronger. And as if that wasn't encouraging enough, there's more: the battle has already been fought, the outcome has already been determined. It's already done and the Promise is OURS!!!  

WE! WIN! 

God brought us here for a reason. Of that, I’m absolutely sure. Not sure What the reason is, mind you…I’m just sure there is one. Maybe we’re here so the boys can play hockey more, maybe Their futures are here. Maybe there are things we need to learn from Him and we can only learn them here. Maybe He is drawing us closer to Him by taking us away from all the “comforts” of our life (and faith) in Texas. Maybe we’re here to win hearts to Him. Maybe we’re here to win just One heart to Him…maybe, maybe, maybe…and maybe, all of the above or none of the above. :) I don’t know. I just know that Whatever it is, it is GOOD. So, I will walk it out. I will complete His mission. I will hold onto Him for dear life and He and I, together, WILL WIN.

When the world seems overwhelming, the road ahead looks rough and ALL I want to do is hide or cry:

This is my resolve:

I will stand firm and with His Word as my sword, I will fight. I will anoint, fast, confess, proclaim and I will, Always, praise.  I WILL fight.

He is worth fighting for. My family, our faith, our lives and the lives of others are Worth fighting for. So…like Jacob, I will be relentless! I won’t give up until I receive everything He’s promised!

We WIN! (See His face?!)

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Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Romans 8:28 MSG

I will fight the good fight, I will finish the race, I will keep the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7 NKJV (paraphrased)