To be Jesus-like isn’t a call for the faint-hearted. It’s a call to self-denial, sacrifice, and standing firm. It’s a call to bless those who curse us and do good to those who hate us. It’s a call to continually commune with the Father, taking Him boldly at His Word.
And it isn’t easy. As long as we live in this world, we have our flesh to deal with and an enemy to wrestle.
I recently played laser tag with my family for the first time. And let. me. tell. you. I think I found my calling. OK, that’s an exaggeration, but I discovered my laser tag groove and could have literally played all day. And for the record I only came in second place because that thirteen-year-old who came in first was ruthless. I’m telling you.
Afterwards, my daughter recapped my passion, “Mom was all ‘Bam bam bam!’ And I was all, ‘Can we go yet?’ And mom was all, ‘Get my back!’ And I was all, ‘I don’t like this.’ And mom was all, ‘He’s around that corner!'” I about died laughing.
But the truth is, there’s an enemy and we need to get serious about the battle. Otherwise we fall in defeat — just like all those little kids when I put on my laser tag face. That’s right.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8
The enemy can’t steal our identity as children of God, but he absolutely strives and plots to steal our joy and peace and influence. He prowls around whispering lies until we wave the flag of surrender.
It’s time to tie up our cute little skirts and fight in the battle. Today. We can’t coast on the faith we had yesterday. It’s a new day with new challenges and new lies to conquer.
So let’s marinate in His Word. Let’s take Him at His Word. Let’s dare to believe that love is the best choice and forgiveness sets us free.
Fill me, Lord…
What lies has the enemy been tempting you to believe lately?
What truth can you declare today to fend him off?
LOVE it! Standing firm with you sister!
Good to “see” you, Patti. 🙂
I have a theory that tiny people rock at laser tag because of overcompensation issues, which is fine with me because it means that I rock at laser tag. 🙂 I think that when it comes to spiritual stuff, I get all mousy, squeal, throw up my hands, and say, “I”m tiny. I can’t do this.” I forget about all that power and authority that is at my beck and call. Great reminder.
You crack me up, Katrina. And I think I’m hearing that you want to team up and be some Rockstarish laser tag duo. Did I hear you right? And yes, we too quickly forget that the power of God almighty resides within us. It’s unbelievable! Praying we stand firm and take Him at His Word. Love to you, sister.
There is a huge difference between a sentence that begins with “But God…” and is followed with questions about why we are going through trials, etc. and a sentence that end with But God. Period. End of sentence. He’s got this. Thanks for your wonderful insight.
So true, Fonda. He’s got this. Praying we believe that He’s always moving and working for our good and His glory.
I can so appreciate you enthusiasm…and your analogy is so on target. Thanks. I will be sharing this
Thanks, Clella. 🙂
Amen.
This made me smile today. 🙂 I have had a few chances to play laser tag over the years, and every single time I love it a little bit more. I don’t think I’ve ever thought of it in relation to my walk with God, though, and I love this reminder of how we need to continually fight the good fight of faith. Thanks for sharing!
Love this! Need to fight the battle of the enemy trying to tell me I’m a failure or I don’t measure up to ‘whoever’ or I’m ruining my kids…need to believe I am who He says I am.
Love this. Sooo true, and I so needed the reminder today.