Fight For Me
I remember 7th Grade as a bit of a dark time for me. I was not a nice kid. Others who quite frankly were troublemakers heavily influenced me and I became a one of them. I was in trouble all the time with the teacher. I was part of group that kept stuff stirred up. I have carried a lot of guilt around regarding my 7th & 8th grade years. I was trying to be something I wasn’t. I did have friends who welcomed me into their fraternity of sorts. I had people who would fight for me and defend me against other kid like me.
One incident sticks out in my mind on the bus ride home one day. I was being a total jerk to this senior and I was 8th grade or 9th – a good bit younger. I was picking on him and he was really ticked off. After he got off the bus, he followed the bus to where I was and jumped me and threatened to beat the crap out of me. I just remembered he about twisted my ear off. I told my Dad my version of the events when he got home, and he went straight there to teach that bully a lesson. He did back the guy up and let him know that it wasn’t ok to fight with a kid younger and smaller than he. I learned some good lessons that day – don’t pick a fight with someone bigger and my Dad would defend me if I needed help.
Moses was about to hand off things to Joshua but before doing so, the nation of Israel had captured a large chunk of territory east of the Jordan. Moses reminded Joshua that the Lord would help them fight. Check this out…
21 At that time I commanded Joshua: ‘You have seen with your own eyes all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings. The Lord will do the same to all the kingdoms over there where you are going. 22 Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.’ (Deuteronomy 3:21-22 NIV)
I have learned to be a peacemaker. The Lord is definitely still a warrior who fights for me. He has taught me to trust Him. He goes before me to scout out my next moves. He gives me wisdom and discernment as I go on this journey with Him. I trust His guidance and counsel. I don’t pick fights against the enemy, but I’m not afraid of him either. I have the Power of the Spirit of God with me to help me navigate the toughest challenges.
The Lord has taught me to love deeper than I ever imagined.
The Lord has taught me to be strong even when I feel weak.
The Lord has taught me that His Presence in me is a big Game Changer. He will defend me. He will protect me. He will fight for me.
I’m still being ministered to by this song: Do Not Be Afraid, written and recorded by JJ Weeks Band. I was introduced to this song at the John Berry Christmas concert this past Saturday.
Pressing On!
Dwayne