Hate To Eat and Run, But...

James 4:7; 1 John 4:4; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:11-17; 1 Corinthians 15:57; Revelation 12:11

One morning this past week, I woke up very hungry and had a tight schedule. I still wanted to get my morning jog in but I just had to eat before I went out. I didn't feel like I had the energy to jog without eating a decent breakfast first. I had previously jogged after eating, but had given the food time to settle a bit. But on this particular morning with my time crunch I had to eat and then hit the pavement right away. Bad decision! I got the first mile in and my stomach began to hurt pretty bad. If I were to continue running, my feet weren't going to be the only thing hitting the pavement! (Sorry for that graphic thought). I had to walk out the other 2 miles that I had planned to jog. My stomach settled down and everything was okay.

I began to think about the analogy when it comes to our spirit. Too often we are placed in a tough spiritual battle but we are starving spiritually so we try to grab a quick Word from the Lord. That is not the time to prepare for battle. We need to stay prepared. If we would spend time daily with Him and hide His Word in our hearts, we would be more prepared for this spiritual war that we are in. And we are in a battle. Ephesians 6:12 (NASB) says 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. If you don't seem to feel the pressures of battle from the enemy, maybe you need to check your relationship with the Lord. Satan is at war with the true church. But the good news is... we win! As a matter of fact Jesus has already secured the victory for us. But we need to stay prepared for the fight. Although the war has already been won, we will have many battles to face. Be prepared for your next battle. Don't starve yourself and then try to grab a quick spiritual meal to carry you through the fight. Spend time daily in the Word and in prayer. You will be better prepared. And you will be much happier in your relationship with the Lord.

1 Timothy 6:12 (NASB) Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Pastor Mike Deese