Battle Ready

Everyday I seem to be fighting something or someone.  A cold, my spouse, my kids, mental anguish, TV influence, friends, family, neighbors, insurance policies, medical bills, the list can go on...no wonder I am tired and fatigued. Will there ever be a day that I don't have to fight?

God's word never said that there would be peace all the time. God just promises that he will never leave us or forsake us. (Heb.13:5) So how do I get through the struggles, the heartaches, the unfairness, the trials, betrayals and the day to day battles?

Here is what I am working on:

• First I had to think about what a battle is...A battle is a struggle between decisions. OK--so it's a mind thing that can lead to a physical thing. A thought than an action. 
• Next, I decided that since a struggle usually starts in the mind then I should research what I can do to protect my mind. So I made commitment to allow good things, good people and positive thoughts around me and start getting rid of things that are not healthy, not supportive and not something that can help my future.  It's not easy but the more I am getting rid of the yuck, the more at peace I am. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is God's will, HIS good and perfect will." Romans 12:2
• After seeking a path for my mind, I am reminded that your thinking affects your heart. They way you feel about things. Your motivations and desires. You could also say that your mind controls your heart but your heart controls your actions. So I thought how can I clean my heart and make sure that what I feel is true. That I can trust my heart and mind so that my actions will not be in vain.  Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways, acknowledge him and He will make your paths straight."
• Now that my mind is ready and my heart is ready it's time to get my body ready. By getting my physical attributes prepared, I will be able to stand the wiles of evil.  Most battles are not of flesh and blood ,but are of the principles and power struggles in this world. However, if I put on the full armor of God I am ready.  The belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the gospel of peace, shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit.  Ephesians 6: 10-20. (paraphrased)  Be alert at all times, but most importantly prayer before you go/act/sayor do anything.
• Finally after getting my mind, heart and body ready...I must take action. If we are to believe that we can win then we need to take the next step. Sometimes it will be to defend and make a stand. Other times we will need to fight to protect. And some days it's just a matter of doing a good deed.  Once we have faith it is secure, but we must defend, fight and do deeds to make the enemy shudder. Only then we will have victory. James 2:14-19 (paraphrased) 

In conclusion, we do have battles everyday. Some easier than others. But if we prepare our self daily, than we will have the power and ability to keep moving. We will be strong and successful, even to the point where the battles we once faced are just a memory that allowed us to grow towards peace.

We must fight the good fight every moment in order to get the prize. "I press on toward the goal to win the prize, for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3: 14