Fight the Good Fight

An Encouraging Devotional

1 Timothy 6:12 *

 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

James 1:2-4

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

James 1:12

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Sometimes, I get so tired of fighting. I get exhausted, and overwhelmed. I remember recently I was going through some challenges (sin, relapsing into sin, etc.) and I was suddenly overwhelmed with thoughts of EVERY bad thing that had ever happened to me. I remember crying out to God silently that I was tired of fighting. But then He told me to "fight the good fight". I couldn't give up, and I couldn't give in. Besides, the victory is already mine in Jesus' death and resurrection! When I fight, I surrender to God. When I fight, I put on the full armor. And when temptation comes my way, I must resist. God has brought me out of my sins, and I do not have to go back. Once I am free in Jesus, I am free indeed. Remember that! God will forgive you when you come to him in genuine repentance. 1 John 1:9 reads "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." He knows the temptations we face, and Jesus Himself went through the exact same things (Hebrews 4:15). If He was able to overcome it, we can too. Because we have a High Priest that was tempted like we are, and has made a way for us to come to Him openly and honestly. Don't give up. Don't give in. God sees you. And He hears you. You have not lost Him by sinning. Try your best to resist sin, and to think on good things.

Have faith that God will forgive you, and you will be set free! Amen!

-Sherry Amor

*New King James Version