As a little girl, I hated conflict and arguments gave me a great deal of anxiety. Not to mention that Southern girls simply did not fight.
As an adult, my perspective has changed. I need to fight. I need to be bold. And I might even need to exchange tough words at times. My perspective shifted because of the Word of God.
I am called to the good fight in a world filled with darkness, but my weapon is not cussing at another person or having the attitude that I must always be right which is so prevalent in our culture. The fight is different and good with my weapon being from the Lord.
I recently purchased multiple copies of Fighting Words, a devotional book by a Christian music artist Ellie Holcomb. I clicked purchase on Amazon a few different times over the last 3 months, because every time one arrived at my front step the Holy Spirit nudged me to give it to someone else. One was a friend having a birthday and walking through a challenging season. One was a sweet mother who needed to be filled with Truth as she supported a child after a traumatic experience. I was not to be the owner of these devotionals all about the fighting words found in the Bible. Recently I pressed “one click” again and added the book to my cart to see if I would finally be the owner of this devotional. It arrived on my doorstep, and I didn’t feel the nudge when I opened it as I did before. This time I felt the call to unwrap it and sit down.
Sit down, Daughter.
This one is for you to keep.
Grab your pen and start the journey.
It is time for you to fight some battles.
The bookmark that came in the devotional was on Day 63 which began with Exodus 14:14 – “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Be still … but the book is called Fighting Words. Can we be still and fight?
Yes, Friends, being still and fighting can go hand in hand. We are called to be still in God’s presence – resting on His Word while picking up our armor and fighting. We are fighting the thoughts that take us captive, our past hurts and pain, the pull of temptation to be like the world and to be loved by the world, the push to be overscheduled and busy, the pull for your life to look like the lives of those who post on social media … and the list goes on and on. The battle is a battle to be waged the minute we open our eyes in the morning.
Paul gives a final word to the church in Ephesus and it is the same word for us found in Ephesians 6 –
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Can I just tell you that fighting is now my “thing” and it has nothing to do with not being nice. Today I fight for my marriage, my family, my coworkers, my church, my friends, and I fight for you, Sister. Life is hard, so let’s put on the armor and win the battle each day in the name of Jesus.
