The Good Fight of Faith

“Now faith (conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervor born of faith and joined with it; the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ; fidelity, faithfulness) is the substance (substructure, foundation; substantial quality; firmness, confidence; assurance) of things hoped for, the evidence (a proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested; conviction) of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1

Faith—the conviction of the truth that God is Who He says He is according to His Word, is the foundation, the substructure, of all that we hope for. 

The Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines hope: A desire of some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable. Hope differs from wish and desire in this, that it implies some expectation of obtaining the good desired, or the possibility of possessing it. Hope therefore always gives pleasure or joy; whereas wish and desire may produce or be accompanied with pain and anxiety.

The foundation of our desire of good and the expectation of obtaining it, is believing that God is Who He says He is~~regardless of our circumstances or situations, regardless of what we see or do not see, God is faithful, righteous, merciful, just, holy, full of compassion, a sure foundation, shade from the heat, an all consuming fire, Savior, Lord...the Great I AM. 

As we build our hope squarely in Him~~not in our expectations, our wants, desires, or demands, but squarely in Him, we are building firmly upon the One Who is our Hope. 

"Therefor, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:1-5

Believing that God is Who He says He is begins with a decision of the will (rooted in God’s grace) and a setting of one’s mind on truth. We make a choice that no matter our circumstances, no matter our situation, God is Who He says He is.

Faith is allowing Truth rather than emotions to dictate how we view life. At times, faith seems effortless:

I got a job~God is faithful!

My great Uncle Cecil gave me a car~God provides!

I am having a baby~God is good!

But what happens when I lose my job, I total my car, and I cannot have a baby? Is God still faithful? Is God still Provider? Is God still good?

This is, as they say, when “the rubber meets the road.” I find that I can continue to mentally ascend to and agree with the fact that God is still Who He says He is, it’s just getting those pesky emotions to fall in line with what I know to be Truth.

I believe the Apostle Paul understood the challenge of walking by faith; as finite, fallible human beings, we face disappointments, adversity, and devastation here on planet earth; those experiences tend to wreak havoc on our emotions and that is whey Paul admonished:

 “Fight (to enter a contest: contend in the gymnastic games; to contend with adversaries; metaph. to struggle, with difficulties and dangers; to endeavor with strenuous zeal, strive: to obtain something) the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Tim. 6:12

At times, we must fight (or contend) to remain in that place of faith~~believing that God is Who He says He is even when our circumstances appear to contradict the truth of Who God is. 

Whether it is our experiences from our past or present situation, whether it is the enemy of our soul assailing our minds with untruth, or an unmet expectation and deep disappointment...by God's grace we can put on the full armor of God (Eph. 6) and we can fight the good fight of faith.

And so it is with each of His children. He has you. No matter what you are walking through, He has you. Pour out your heart before Him, allow Him to hold you.

God has not forsaken you. He holds you in the palm of His hand. He is faithful. 

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Ps. 34:8

Regardless of our circumstances, He truly is good. May God’s grace abound to us that we may believe that God is Who He says He is.

God Is

DID YOU KNOW THAT GOD IS:

GOD IS:

LORD / I AM (Yahweh/Jehovah/The Self-Existent    Ex. 3:14; John 8:58; Isaiah 43:15;

  One; Ever Present One)                                          1 Cor. 15:47

The Lord Who is One and His  Name One                 Zech. 14:9        

God (Elohim--Creator)                                              Genesis 1:1; Rom. 1:25   

God Most High (‘El ‘Elyon)                              Gen. 14:18       

The Possessor of Heaven and Earth                 Gen. 14:22

Faithful Creator                                              1 Peter 4:19

God (mighty, strong)                                                 Exodus 34:6

God Almighty (El Shaddai/The All Sufficient One,     Gen. 17:1

   The Breasted One)

The Lord            (Adonay or Adonai; Lord and Master)Gen. 15:2

King of Kings and Lord of Lords                                Rev. 19:16

The High and Lofty One Who Inhabits Eternity,        Isaiah 57:15

  Whose Name is Holy

Immanuel (God With Us)                                          Isaiah 7:14; Matt. 1:23

God of gods and Lord of lords                                   Deut. 10:17

Our Redeemer from Everlasting                                Isaiah 63:16

Most Upright                                                           Isaiah 26:7

He Who Goes with You to Fight Against                    Deut. 20:4

  Your Enemies to Save You

The Lord Omnipotent                                              Rev. 19:6

The LORD Our Maker                                             Psalm 95:6

The Lord of All                                                        Acts 10:36

The LORD God of gods                                            Joshua 22:22; Dan. 2:47

The LORD is There (Jehovah-shammah)                  Ezekiel 48:35

The LORD Our Righteousness (Jehovah-tsidkenu)    Jer. 23:6

The LORD Will Provide (Jehovah-jireh)                    Gen. 22:14

The LORD Our Banner (Jehovah-nissi)                    Ex. 17:15

The LORD Who Sanctifies (Jehovah-mekoddishkem)  Lev. 20:8; Heb.2:11

The LORD is Peace (Jehovah-shalom)                      Judges 6:24; Eph. 2:14

The LORD Who Heals (Jehovah-rapha)                    Ex. 15:26

The LORD my Shepherd (Jehovah-raah)                  Psalm 23:1; John 10:14

My Lord and My God                                              John 20:28

The God Who Sees (El Roi)                                      Gen. 16:13

The Everlasting God (‘El ‘Olam)                              Gen. 21:33; Is. 40:28

He Who Fills                                                          Eph. 1:23

Love                                                                      1 John 4:8

The Way, the Truth, the Life                                 John 14:6

My Glory and the Lifter of My Head                         Psalm 3:3

God Who Holds Your Breath in His Hand                Daniel 5:23

  and Owns All Your Ways

My Confidence                                                       Prov. 3:26         

A Wall of Fire All Around Me and the Glory             Zech. 2:5

  in My Midst     

The Alpha and the Omega                                     Rev. 1:8

The Beginning and the End                                    Rev. 1:8

Who Is, Who Was, and Who Is to Come                  Rev. 1:8

The Mighty One, God the Lord                               Ps. 50:1

I Am the First, I Am also the Last                          Isaiah 48:12

My Defense                                                           Psalm 59:9; 17

My Salvation and Glory                                         Psalm 62:7

Faithful                                                                Deut. 7:9; 1 Cor. 1:9; 2 Cor. 1:18

The God Who Forgives                                         Psalm 99:8

The Lord, Who is Great and Awesome                    Neh.4:14

With Me as a Mighty Awesome One                        Jer. 20:11

My Strength and Power                                        2 Sam. 22:33

He Who Knows the Hearts of All                            Acts 1:24

The Just (Jesus)                                                   Acts 3:14

The Just One                                                        Acts 7:52

Most Holy                                                           Dan. 9:24

The Word (Jesus)                                                  John 1:1; Rev. 19:13

My Rock                                                                2 Sam. 22:2; Isaiah 44:8; Ps.18:2                                     

My Fortress                                                           Psalm 18:2; 144:2

My Stronghold                                                       Psalm 18:2

My Deliverer                                                          Psalm 18:2; 144:2

My Strength                                                        Ps. 18:2; 115:10-11; Ps. 46:1                                                               The Help of My Countenance and My God              Psalm 41:11

My Exceeding Joy                                                  Psalm 43:4

Lord of Kings                                                         Daniel 2:47

Revealer of Secrets                                                 Daniel 2:47

The Father of Glory                                                Eph. 1:17

Guarantee of Our Inheritance (Holy Spirit)               Eph. 1:14

Light and in Him There is No Darkness                   1 John 1:5

  at All

He Who Fights for You                                           Joshua 23:10

He Who Has Fought for You as He Has Promised     Joshua 23:3

One Mightier than I                                              Luke 3:16

The Majestic Lord                                                  Isaiah 33:21

God of All Grace                                                  1 Peter 5:10

God of Mercy                                                         Deut. 4:31; Psalm 59:10

Wonderful                                                             Isaiah 9:6; Judges 13:18

Counselor                                                             Isaiah 9:6; Eph. 5:2

Mighty God                                                         Isaiah 9:6

Everlasting Father                                               Isaiah 9:6

Prince of Peace                                                      Isaiah 9:6

God is One                                                            Gal. 3:20

The Resurrection and the Life                               John 11:25

Righteous in All the Works He Does                        Dan. 9:14

The Lord Avenges                                                  Na. 1:2

God is Spirit                                                         John 4:24

The Most High                                                      Psalm 91:1 & 9

God is With You Wherever You Go                         Josh. 1:9

The King of All the Earth                                        Psalm 47:7

Greater than All Gods                                            2 Chron. 30:9

Wise in Heart and Mighty in Strength                      Job 9:4

The Eternal God is Your Refuge, and Under-            Deut. 33:27

  neath are the Everlasting Arms

He Who Searches the Minds and Hearts                  Rev. 2:23

The Fountain of Living Waters                               Jer. 2:13

God Who Gives Life to the Dead and Calls Those      Rom. 4:17

  Things Which Do Not Exist as Though  They Did

Gracious                                                                1 Peter 2:1

My Hiding Place                                                      Psalm 32:7

The Father of Mercies and God of All Comfort           2 Cor. 1:3

The Prince of Life                                                     Acts 3:15

Not the Author of Confusion, but of Peace                1 Cor. 14:33

The Firstfruits (Jesus)                                             1 Cor. 15:23

Christ Jesus Our Lord                                             1 Cor. 15:31

My Shield                                                               Ps. 18:2; 28:7-8; 33:20; Gen.15:1

A Sun and Shield                                                     Psalm 84:11

Our Refuge                                                             Deut. 33:27; Ps. 14:6, 62:8             

The Good Shepherd                                                John 10:11 & 14

Precious                                                                 1 Peter 2:7

The True Vine                                                         John 15:1 & 5

The Vinedresser (the Father)                                   John 15:1

The Bread Which Came Down from Heaven             John 6:41

The Living Bread                                                    John 6:51

The Chief Cornerstone                                            Eph. 2:20

Shepherd and Overseer                                          1 Peter 2:25

The Righteous Father                                             John 17:25

A Man of War                                                         Ex. 15:3

The Excellent Glory                                              2 Peter 1:17                                                 

The Dayspring from on High                                  Luke 3:16

The God of My Life                                                 Psalm 41:8

The Lord is Your Keeper and Your Shade                Ps. 121:5

  At Your Right Hand

The Strength of My Heart and My Portion               Psalm 73:26

  Forever

Holy and Awesome                                              Psalm 111:9

For Me                                                               Psalm 56:9

The King of Glory                                                  Psalm 24:7

Your (My) Exceedingly Great Reward                      Gen. 15:1

Holy Spirit of Promise                                           Eph. 1:13

The Everlasting God                                             Rev. 21:33

Our Judge                                                            Isaiah 33:22

Our Lawgiver                                                      Isaiah 33:22; James 4:12

Our King                                                               Isaiah 33:22; 43:15

The Habitation of Justice                                      Jer. 50:7

The Ancient of Days                                             Dan. 7:13-14

Crown of Glory                                                    Isaiah 28:5

Altogether Lovely                                                 Song of Solomon 5:16

My Beloved; My Well Beloved                                Song of Sol. 2:16; Isaiah 5:1

Comforter (Holy Spirit)                                          John 14:16

Diadem of Beauty                                                  Isaiah 28:5

The Strength of My Life                                        Psalm 27:1                                            

The Shield of Your (My) Help                                 Deut. 33:29

The Sword of Your (My) Majesty                             Deut. 33:29

Greater than Our Heart, and Knows All Things       1 John 3:20

A Very Present Help in Trouble                             Ps. 46:1

The Highest                                                        Luke 1:32, 35, 76

He Who Supplies Seed to the Sower and                 2 Cor. 9:10

  Bread for Food

He Who is Mighty                                                  Luke 1:49

The God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac             Gen. 31:42

Scepter                                                                 Numbers 24:16-17

Physician                                                              Luke 4:23

Highest                                                                 Matt. 21:9

The Helper                                                            Psalm 54:4; John 15:26; Heb. 13:6

Chief Among Ten Thousand                                   Song of Solomon 5:10

Bridegroom                                                         Matt. 25:10

Husband                                                               Isaiah 54:5

Your (My) Holy One                                              Isaiah 43:15

Son of the Father                                                  2 John 3

Upholder of All Things                                           Heb. 1:3

Shade from the Heat                                            Isaiah 25:4

Refiner and Purifier                                             Malachi 3:3

The Horn of My Salvation                                      Psalm 18:2

The Apostle and High Priest of our                         Heb. 3:1

  Confession, Jesus Christ

The Great High Priest (Jesus)                                Heb. 4:14

The Author of Eternal Salvation                            Heb. 5:9

My Savior                                                           Psalm 18:2; Luke 2:11

Prince and Savior                                                  Acts 5:30-31

My Redeemer                                                      Isaiah 60:16

Mediator between God and Men, the Man              1 Tim 2:5

  Christ Jesus

Mediator of a New Covenant (Jesus)                       Heb. 9:15

Messiah                                                             John 4:25

The Son of God                                                   John 1:34

Blessed and Only Potentate                                   1 Tim. 6:15

Ointment Poured Forth                                         Song of Solomon 1:3

Sure Foundation                                                   Isaiah 28:16

A Rewarder of Those Who Diligently Seek Him        Heb. 11:6

A Consuming Fire                                                  Deut. 4:24; 9:3; Heb.12:29

He Who Lives                                                        Rev. 1:18

Your (My) Shade at Your (My) Right Hand               Psalm 121:5

The Flame                                                             Isaiah 10:17

All in All                                                             Col. 3:11

The Portion of My Inheritance and My Cup             Psalm 16:5; Ps. 73:16

Understanding                                                    Prov. 8:14

Wisdom                                                                Prov. 8:12

The Light of the World; My Light                            Is. 10:17; Ps. 27:1; John 9:5                                 

The Living and True God                                      1 Thes.1:9

The Author and Finisher of Our Faith                    Heb. 12:2

My Lamp                                                            2 Sam. 22:29

The Lamb of God Who Takes Away                        John 1:29

  the Sin of the World

The Amen                                                             Rev. 3:14

The Faithful and True Witness                              Rev. 3:14

The Bread of Life                                                 John 6:35

A Jealous God                                                      Deut. 4:24; 6:15; Ex. 34:14

My Strength and My Song                                     Psalm 118:14

My Lovingkindness                                              Psalm 144:1

A Sanctuary                                                          Isaiah 8:14

The Mighty One of Jacob                                      Isaiah 60:16

An Everlasting Light                                             Isaiah 60:16

The Lion of the Tribe of Judah                              Rev. 15:5

Defender of the Widow                                         Psalm 68:5

Judge of All                                                          Heb. 12:23; James 5:9

My Advocate                                                       1 John 2:1

An Offering                                                           Eph. 5:2

Full of Compassion                                              Psalm 86:15

Man of Sorrows and Acquainted with Grief             Isaiah 53:3

My Support                                                        Psalm 18:18

Commander of the Army of the Lord                      Joshua 5:14

The Glorious Throne                                            Isaiah 22:23

Lamb Without Blemish                                         1 Peter 1:19

A Father to the Fatherless                                     Psalm 68:5

The Door                                                               John 10:9

Strength to the Poor                                             Isaiah 25:4

A Strength to the Needy in His Distress                  Isaiah 25:4

A Refuge from the Storm                                        Isaiah 25: 4

The Lord God Who Gathers the Outcasts                Isaiah 56:8

  of Israel

The One I Love                                                      Song of Solomon 3:2

The Mighty God of Jacob                                      Gen. 49:24

The Shepherd, the Stone of Israel                          Gen. 49:24

The Lord Your God, He is God in Heaven                Josh. 2:11

  Above and on Earth Beneath

The LORD Most High is Awesome                          Ps. 47:2

A Great King Over All the Earth                             Ps. 47:2

God is the King of All the Earth                             Ps. 47:7

God Our God Forever and Ever; He Will                  Ps. 48:14

  Be Our Guide, Even to Death

The Great God Who Formed Everything                  Prov. 26:10

The Lord Your Maker Who Stretched Out                Is. 51:13

  The Heavens and Laid the Foundations

  Of the Earth

The Lord Your God Who Divided the Sea                 Is. 51:15

  Whose Waves Roared—the LORD of Hosts

  Is His Name

Your Keeper; The Lord is Your Shade at Your           Ps. 121:5

  Right Hand

Our Father; Our Redeemer from Everlasting             Is. 63:16

  Is Your Name

The God Who Comforts the Downcast                     2 Cor. 7:6

Jesus Christ Who is the Same Yesterday,                Heb. 13:8

  Today, and Forever

The God of Peace Who Brought Up Our Lord            Heb. 13:20

  Jesus From the Dead, That Great Shepherd

  Of the Sheep

The True God and Eternal Life                              1 John 5:20

Faithful and True, and in Righteousness He            Rev. 19:11

  Judges and Makes War

His Name is Called the Word of God                       Rev. 19:13

He Who Makes All Things New                              Rev. 21:5

His Yoke is Easy

Like you, I have experienced my share of what a 16th century Spanish poet referred to as the "dark night of the soul." As I lamented to the Lord during one of those times of profound trial, God reminded me that He was answering my prayer of some 17 years, "Search me, O God, and know my heart, try me and know my anxious thoughts and see if there be any wicked (pain, sorrow, idol) way in me and lead me in the way everlasting"(Ps. 139:23-24). 

I have a memory of, for various reasons, being offended with dad when I was just a kindergartner. While different aspects of the offense may have had merit, other aspects did not. But nonetheless, I was offended and a bitter root took hold in my  heart. I declared in my heart that I didn't need him, that I would take care of myself. That's one horrible aspect of bitterness, it causes us to steel ourselves against the perceived "offender," walling off our hearts from others.

Years ago I had repented of that bitter root towards my father realizing that no matter the reason for the offense, I was responsible before God to forgive. Today we share a sweet relationship free from offense. 

Several years ago, as I prayed the Psalm 139 prayer, I had the sense that there remained some unfinished business regarding the bitter root against my father. I spoke out loud to the Lord, proclaiming that I had already forgiven my dad. What else was there?

As I listened, the Lord reminded me of the second aspect of that bitter judgment...."I will take care of myself." That internal determination was what the Bible refers to as a vow. At that moment, at just 6 years old, I made a vow that I would be for myself what God alone was meant to be. I, in essence, usurped God's authority and became what God alone was designed to be for me: "...The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation my stronghold (Psalm 18:1-2)."

This vow set a dark corner of my heart on a trajectory that would leave me with the tendency to not only carry and take care of myself, but would develop in me the tendency to pick up and carry just about anyone else who came along. In the end, I gave myself an emotional and spiritual hernia. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites those of us who are weary whether from carrying people, worrying about people, stressing over finances, our marriage, etc., to come to Him and He will give us rest.

When I surrendered my life to the Lord over 25 years ago and set my heart on a passionate pursuit of His heart, His ways, His Word, I thought I had taken up His yoke, and in certain areas of my heart I had. But, the exhaustion I experienced after over three decades of usurping God's authority in that area of my heart where I had vowed to be my own rock, fortress, shield, deliverer, and strength (and anyone else I decided to load on my back!) was crushing the life out of me. The Lord, in His lovingkindness, brought to light that area of my heart that was so heavy laden. I knew that if I allowed Him to lead me in His way concerning that heavy laden area of my  heart, I would experience a greater measure of liberty. The more liberty I (we) experience, the more liberty we are able to impart to others, all bringing glory to God. "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. "
(John 8:36) It was up to me to choose to walk in the freedom afforded me in Christ.

Jesus encourages us: "'Come unto Me, all you who labor (grow weary, tire, exhausted (with toil, or burdens, or grief); to labor with wearisome effort; from Greek root kopos meaning: a beating of the breast with grief, sorrow, labor, trouble; intense labor united with trouble and toil) and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labor in order to recover and collect his strength; to give rest; refresh; to keep quiet, of calm and patient expectation). Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle (meek: mild of temper; soft; gentle; not easily provoked or irritated; yielding; given to forbearance under injuries; submissive to the divine will; not proud, self-sufficient or refractory~obstinate; not peevish and apt to complain of divine dispensations) and lowly (humble: lowly; modest; meek; submissive; opposed to proud, haughty, arrogant or assuming) in heart (the soul or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors; of the understanding, the faculty and seat of the intelligence; of the will and character; of the soul as the seat of the sensibilities, affections, emotions, desires, appetites, passions), and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.'" Matthew 11:28-30.

Taking His yoke, virtually, is an act of surrender. If you have ever seen a team of oxen in a yoke, there is usually a larger, stronger ox on one side and a younger, weaker ox on the other. The stronger ox steers the yoke and bears much of the burden of that yoke, teaching the younger as it does so. 

Jesus is all-powerful, His grace is sufficient, His way is life. He is inviting us to learn His way of humility. It is through humility we surrender to the One Who is the Way (John 14:6). 

It struck me that the Hebrew sense of the word "lowly" means "not proud, self-sufficient, or refractory." The vow I made at 6 years old, was contrary to His way because I was choosing to become self-sufficient in that wounded area of my heart, rather than surrendering that pain, fear, and devastation to Him. 

Self-sufficiency is a form of idolatry. At the root of idolatry is pride. Choosing our way, placing our affections, passions, inclinations on something other than God is prideful. Idolatry always produces bondage. We tend to build a fortress around that wounded area of our hearts, in my case, out of the pain of not being taken care of in a way that made me feel safe, I built my own fortress of protection. This was my way of dealing with my pain. I exalted my way above God's way.

Elevating our will, our way, our selves above God and His way places us outside the grace of God in whatever area of life we are practicing self-sufficiency (God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble, James 4:6). Living outside the grace of God is a laborious way to live. It takes a lot of energy to operate in a capacity in which only God is equipped to operate. 

Self sufficiency can manifest in many ways."I will take care of myself." "I will cope (addictions) as I see fit." "I will be successful" (nothing wrong with that, except if the attitude is that I will exalt myself)...just to name a few.

Once I repented of that vow and renounced it, God's grace was released in that area of my heart. God's grace was always available and sufficient, I chose not to receive it in that area of my heart when I exalted my way above His. Repentance allowed God's grace flow into that wounded area producing healing and restoration.

When Jesus spoke the words recorded in Matthew 11:28-30, He was quoting Jeremiah 6:16. Walking in the way of the Lord was not a new concept, He was simply reminding His listeners of what He had already spoken years and years before: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Stand in the ways (way, road, distance, journey, manner; path, direction; habit; course of life; of moral character) and see (look at, inspect, perceive, consider; regard; observe; give attention to, discern, distinguish; gaze at; behold; to look at each other, face), and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest (cessation of motion or action of any kind, and applicable to any body or being; as rest from labor; rest from mental exertion; rest of body or mind; a body is at rest, when it ceases to move; the mind is at rest, when it ceases to be disturbed or agitated; quiet; a state of reconciliation to God) for your souls,’ but they said, 'we will not walk in it.'”

We enter into His rest as we walk in His way of humility, as we take His yoke, as we surrender to Him. As we learn His ways, the most precious gift we receive is that we cultivate a deeper intimacy with Him (the primary reason for life!) and then we are able to impart His life to others.