Discover the importance of recognizing our true enemy in life’s struggles and how focusing on faith can empower us to overcome challenges. Explore insights, encouragement, and practical steps to strengthen your faith.
Recognizing Our True Enemy: A Call to Focus on Faith
Two weeks ago, my parents and I sat excitedly on the visitor side to watch my son’s varsity high school football team play. Unfortunately, my husband had to miss this game due to work travel. We noticed our side was nearly full, approximately thirty minutes before the game. Then, looking across the field to the home team, their turnout was less than a handful. My heart sank with many questions.
I can, at times, be a math girl. So, you have to figure, based on each child, they would have at least two parents, and maybe some extended family at each game (give or take). A varsity high school football roster can range from 40 to 60 student-athletes. In my head, I figured there should be at least a hundred people sitting in the stands. At the start of the game, this was the right math outcome for our side.
A fellow football parent hand-counted thirty-three people on the home side. THIRTY-THREE! Before this game, here is what we already knew. This school has yet to win a game and, on top of that, they have yet to score a touchdown this season.
When we approached half-time, the score was 42 to zero. During the second half, the home team made some amazing plays. Each time they did, our side cheered them on. With one fast-paced move, our opponents completed a phenomenal play and scored their first touchdown of the season.
What happened next was sheer joy! Our football players, cheerleaders, and fans sitting on the visitor’s side cheered for them. We didn’t just clap; we stood up. Our cheerleaders waved their pom-poms in the air and our football players rallied behind them.
What a life lesson set in motion.
Friend, how often do we sit on the sidelines of life, looking to the other side of the field, thinking that person or that co-worker is someone we must beat? In a world filled with comparison, we must always do better. It seems like we’re inclined to be constantly chasing accomplishments. Whether it is a promotion at work, competing for who has the greenest lawn on the street, or owning the best car. Success looks differently in the eye of the beholder.
Our perspectives need to shift. When God created Adam and Eve, He never meant them to be enemies. He created them to work together as partners. The individual standing before us is automatically seen as our adversary since we are competing for the same win. For every game we play in life, there will always be two teams.
Here is the truth, friend. In God’s kingdom, there is room for everyone. The people we work with, our family, and those we believe are inhibiting us from progress are not enemies. The true enemy is Satan.
Here is what I know: the kids on the opposing team never gave up. They continued to work hard and play their hearts out even when their stands remained unfilled. Our side cheered them on because they became our mentors. When life gets hard, it is easy to quit. Showing up and continuing to work hard is the actual battle.
The Power of Prayer
Jesus forewarned us in John 16:33, He said, “These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” Despite the inevitable challenges we face, we will never be alone. Jesus will never abandon us with our struggles. Our greatest tool in times of trouble is prayer.
Daily communication with God should not be skipped. Prayer serves not only as a means of petitioning for our needs but also as a way to deepen one’s relationship with God. Building a connection with God is just like building a connection with another person. Through communication, trust, and honesty.
Today, let us continue to show up in prayer, surrendering our burdens to the one who can carry them all. I pray for our divided world, that we can continue to unite around a common and eternal cause: the Gospel. Let us pursue being Christ-like examples to others.
Let’s Pray Together
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank you for the ability to communicate with you through prayer. We know you are our refuge and strength. Help us to realize that the surrounding people in our lives are not our enemies. Use us as vessels to glorify you in every situation. Strengthen our faith and, more importantly, let those who do life with us see you through our character.
In this, we ask in your precious name, Jesus. Amen!
Read More on Jen Schreiner
- How to Move Forward When You Feel Stuck
- Recognizing Our True Enemy: A Call to Focus on Faith
- The Power of Godly Friendships – 5 Key Qualities
- Why Isn’t God Answering My Prayers
- 5 Astonishing Facts About God
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