Fainting but Still Fighting

This last Tuesday at the Element, pastor Winston spoke on the topic 'Fainting but Still Fighting'.  I was challenged and touched by the message and feel renewed to continue striving toward Christ!  In the message, Winston recalled the story of Gideon out of Judges Chapters 6-8.  Gideon and his 300 men were in a battle against extreme odds, yet they were winning the battle because God was on their side.  (Side note:  When God is involved, your odds greatly increase!  One thing about this that stood out to me is the fact that they still had a very hard battle to fight.  God told them that the victory was theirs, yet they still fought for many hours and pursued the enemy for many miles!  Just because God is involved, doesn't mean you can quit fighting!) 

The thing that probably stood out the most to me about the message was the three questions he asked:  What are you fighting for?  Who are you fighting with? (who is fighting along side you?)  And, what are you fighting with?  The third question is where I want to camp out at for a while.  2 Corinthians 10:4 says that "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds"  We fight with spiritual weapons, not earthly weapons.  Ephesians 6:12 says, "¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,^[a] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

Having done all, to stand...I like that.  When you have stood as long as you can, keep standing.  I was encouraged by this message, and I want you to be encouraged.  As you stand this quarter, you will feel like taking a seat, but keep standing, keep standing for what you know is right!  Stand for Christ!  Keep up the fight and, as Winston said, your 'crazy victory' is coming!