Struggles

I read a facebook post early this morning someone shared that "God does not owe us a happy ending". Everyone is looking for a happy ending; however, for some it seems to elude us. I know that I have struggled a lot in my lifetime and I have often wondered why I just can't get a break. Some of my struggles though are the results of my own making.

Years ago I flipped through the pages of my son's Bible reading scripture that he had highlighted. I smiled to myself when I came across one portion of a verse that said "Oh, why didn't I listen." Yes, I could really relate to that verse and I'm sure there are many who can as well. Whether it's the Word of God that we do not heed or the wise council that God has placed in our lives, sometime we just go our own way and refuse to be obedient.

There are other times when we face hardship or struggles that have nothing to do with our disobedience. Have you ever thought "it's not fair?" Life isn't fair. No, it isn't, for we are engaged in a battle against rulers, against powers, against world forces of darkness, against spiritual forces of wickedness. We face an army of dark powers, however, we are not on our own and we know that we are promised victory.

One way to prepare as you go into battle is by praying Ephesians 6:10-17 before you start your day.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

I watched a television series once about the time of King Arthur. As Arthur would begin to lead his soldiers into battle, he would raise his sword into the air and cry out "for the love of Camelot!" I have always imagined starting my morning as I go into battle for the day, with the sword of the Spirit raised high in the air and with a shout "for the love of the LORD and His Kingdom!"

Remember our happy ending is not in this world but it is coming.

Proverbs 5:13
Ephesians 6:12
Romans 8