How to Fight a Battle

"Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me;

fight against those who fight against me."

Psalm 35:1 NIV

✦Acknowledge that not every battle is yours to fight. Fight only the battles God wants you to fight. How do you know when and what to fight? "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12 NIV) If evil exists and threatens to overcome, that is the battle to fight. Put energy into giving God the glory and not into the threat. Remember who the real enemy is. Stay humble and stay assured that your worth is in Christ.

✦Use the ordnance God has given you. God has equipped us with the armor and weaponry (see Ephesians 6:10-18) we need to fight the spiritual warfare battles. But remember putting on armor doesn't make you a warrior anymore than putting on a cape makes you Superman. We are not called to sit on the sidelines clothed with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the sandals of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit and watch the battle. We are called to fight, to be in the battle. Use what He has given you. Put on the full armor of God and fight the good fight with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Spirit.

✦Face the fight with faith. When David took on Goliath, he fought with faith (see 1 Samuel 17:45-47). His opponent was bigger, stronger, more experienced, more equipped, and full of confidence in himself. David was equipped only with what God had given him. Full of confidence in God, David spoke in faith and acted in faith as he stepped onto the battlefield and faced the giant enemy who threatened all those who belonged to the Lord. Everything David spoke came into fruition because he faced the fight with faith and followed through with action. Likewise, face your fight with faith both in speech and in action. God honors this kind of faithfulness that points people to Him. To God be the glory.

✦Be a victor not a victim. Talking the talk and walking the walk means you already have received the victory because of Christ. He won the ultimate battle for you. You are no longer a victim. He has made you a victor, so start acting like one! Don't go into a battle defeated. Go into it with the win belonging to you because truthfully it's already been won for you. "Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” (Deuteronomy 20:3-4 NIV)

✦Let go and let God. "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:14 NIV) There is a time to act in accordance with the ordnance you've been given while being led by the Spirit to fight; and there is a time to be still and let God fight the battle. Ask God for the wisdom to know when to fight and when to let go. He will show you. Letting go and letting God means the battle and the outcome all belong to Him, to His plan, to his timing. Sometimes fighting means forgiving and moving on. Sometimes fighting means saying what needs to be said, doing what needs to be done. But whatever the fight may be, do it all in the name of Jesus. The battle belongs to Him.

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV