“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.”
Matthew 11:12 NKJV
I have to be reminded on a fairly regular basis that violence is an attribute of life in the Kingdom. I am not suggesting this violence is fleshly or carnal (2 Corinthians 10:4), but rather the acquisition of certain promises will demand a spiritual fight. Contending faith is a faith that is willing to wrestle for the plan or promise of God and refuses to accept defeat. Unfortunately, the world does it’s best to condition me to accept fear and defeat. Equally unfortunate are the times I succumb to its lies and relentlessness. I need reminding in this pandemic that whether it be my health, my job, my personal disposition, my peace, my joy, or my hope; it will be expected that I arise and contend for my promise.
I should really know this deeply and profoundly by now. Paul wrote to Timothy and the church he pastored in Ephesus on several occasions this very reminder. He exhorted Timothy to, “fight the good fight” (I Timothy 6:12). He told the Ephesian believers to expect a battle as they were, “to put on the whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11). Then in conclusion as Paul writes his own epitaph he states, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Life in the Kingdom is not a perpetual peace train of ease and comfort. There are moments of war. Even in the great “Faith Chapter” the Hebrew writer clearly reminds us that faith can and will involve a fight (Hebrews 11:32-34). To overcome challenges and obstacles that life will inevitably throw at me, I must determine now that I have a right to fight for God’s promises through my faith. I cannot afford to think that the adversary of my soul will simply roll-over as I enter the room. I must fearlessly contend for that promise and stand my ground in the conviction of my faith.
But this is easier written than done. The onslaught of words, speculation, lies, and fear that I am bombarded with constantly by the culture is seducing me back to my natural man. I need to recognize this dynamic and take instant steps to resist being dominated by my natural instincts and senses and find ways to be strengthened in my faith. I cannot coast in my Christianity. I must contend.
As I consider this reality today in the midst of this pandemic lockdown, I am reminded of a couple things:
Through Christ, I have become a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). What I was is gone and I have been regenerated into someone that has never existed before. I have right standing before God and He has provided the incredible privilege of acting in His name with the full authority of the Kingdom behind it.
For me to be victorious, I must believe that I have a “right” for my faith to work (John 1:12). This is not arrogance. In the same way I have certain rights and privileges as an American citizen, I have rights in the Kingdom. I will need to stand for those rights, but they are rights, nonetheless.
I need to spiritually and carefully evaluate where I currently stand in faith. I can admire a dog’s courage and fearlessness in chasing a car, but if he gets run over it ends up being a presumptuous thing to do. Where (really) are my confidence levels when it comes to contending with my faith? Paul referred to a “measure of faith” in every believer that God will work according to (Romans 12:3-6). What measure am I able to confidently aspire to? Can I chase a car or a tricycle? Like the disciples of Jesus, how might I enlarge my faith (Luke 17:5).
These are days where my faith is being revealed…
These are days that will call upon me to contend and battle for some things…
An unseen enemy has been loosed across the land…
It will take an unseen power to contend with its agenda…
It’s time to suit up and get to the front line…
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