“I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like one without strength.” Psalm 88:4 (NIV)
I
enjoy playing chess. Since I am just an average player, sometimes I
find myself pitted against an opponent far better than I am. In
situations where I know that the odds are very much against me, I could
hold back, try to play defensively, or just avoid the challenge, but I
don’t.
Facing chronic affliction,
we must take on a mindset that enables us to keep fighting even when we
are weak and without strength. Our strength comes from the Lord, and He
can enable us to fight when our strength is gone.
I
hold nothing back when faced against an opponent greater than myself. I
take chances, look for any opportunity, make sacrifices, and sometimes
beat my better opponent to a draw, playing far greater than my
abilities.
With affliction we are not left to our own strength and strategies. Our best efforts may fail, and our great plans fall short. Yet
I believe that God takes pleasure in seeing a fighting spirit in His
children. We all love the David and Goliath story from scripture. David
was outmatched in size, strength, ability, and no reasonable person
could have looked at that scenario and expected David to win.
But
David wouldn’t give up the fight, and neither must we. David won, and
so can we. You are not in this battle of affliction alone. God stands
with you. No matter how hopeless the situation looks, keep fighting,
keep hitting back, get up just one more time.
It might be that one more time that wins the battle of affliction.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, life can feel like a constant battle. We face a variety of
challenges. Help us to keep fighting in Your strength and power. Amen.
Karlton Douglas
Copyright 2017
Karlton - I don't comment as often as I 'should' as your devotionals are always inspiring. Your comparing our 'battles with affliction' to that of wanting to win when playing against a chess opponent is brilliant! :) I don't play chess but know it is a game where it takes a lot of 'mind control' and 'knowing strategies'. True, in these kinds of games we play for 'fun' in life, we do fight to do our best to win.
ReplyDeleteWith the enemy always chasing us down re: our afflictions, the stakes are higher. We know he has lost the 'game' but he keeps on bullying us that we are not going to win.
He may sometimes seem a 'Goliath', but we have God in focus who is the best ally and He has won the battle.
Great posting - thanks!
God bless!
Lynn
Thanks for your kind comments Lynn!
ReplyDeleteYes, the enemy is a bully, and like all bullies we must stand up to him. God is such a help to us when we are down or fighting something or someone bigger than ourselves.
Bless You!