Fight the Good Fight

Fight the Good Fight
©2005, Lani Wiens
a fresh flowers original

Contend. Persevere. When, not if. These are the words and phrases that are making their way through our home these last few weeks. It has been and continues to be a struggle to do those things. Contending and persevering aren’t things I naturally enjoy doing. Especially when the battle is particularly difficult. I don’t know about you but I kind of like it when things are going along smoothly without too many ripples. Well folks, we got ripples goin’ on and plenty of ‘em.

Contend, according to Oxford means: struggle or compete; argue (with); assert or maintain (that). We have been in a head to head battle struggling, competing, arguing with and asserting that the ground we stand on belongs to the Lord. We are locked into an all out war with the powers of darkness that seek to destroy our children, our family and our ministry. (Even the computer is not working properly and it will be a miracle if this actually gets out, if you receive it, you’ll know we won this round).

Persevere means; continue steadfastly, persist (in or with). Persist means; continue firmly or obstinately (in opinion, course of action, doing thing), esp. in face of difficulty or objection. Yes, ladies and gentlemen there is a good time to be obstinate!! James 1:4 says, “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Apparently the Lord believes that there is some uncompleted business in my life that He’d like to take care of and the situation we’re in at the moment is going to help clear that up. Kinda gives you a new perspective on ‘life as we know it’ doesn’t it?

When, not if!! A dear lady who is walking through this time with us reminded us that we need to look at ‘when’ this is behind us, not ‘if’ we get beyond it. This trial will surely pass even though it looks like there is no end in sight. As another friend said, “God is building one glorious testimony!” How I long to see the other side as God sees it, when we will look back and see His faithful hand carrying us through these deep waters.

Take a good look at the pansies in your garden this spring. They are one of my very favourite flowers. The slang term ‘pansy’ usually refers to someone who is weak, but the pansy is anything but. They are an extremely hardy flower that can survive snow and other adverse weather. I want to be like a pansy, strong, beautiful and pleasing to my master at the end of this stormy season. I am thankful that Jesus contends for me, sending out his troops on my behalf to fight for me. Whatever battles you are fighting today are in God’s hands, He fights for us. Be strong and courageous. Contend. Persevere. In the end, you will be mature and complete, lacking nothing. May the Lord be praised.

Dictionary definitions are from The Oxford Dictionary of Current English ©oxford University Press 1969, 1978, 1984.