As humans, we really like control. You might have noticed recently, we don’t have as much control as we’d like. Most of us didn’t choose the life events we have experienced. But even in the midst of all of it, we have the power to choose our target and our battle.
Regardless of our circumstances, we get to choose our target, where we set our focus. Hebrews 12:1 says that we should be looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. No matter what is going on around us, setting our eyes on Jesus is always an option.
We’ve all heard that we need to pick our battles. However, the Scriptures have something different to say about the battles that show up in our everyday lives.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12
I’ve been reflecting on something my pastor, John Henry Corcoran said to me: “Daniel, if you’re fighting people, you’re fighting the wrong battle.”
If we are fighting people, we are in the wrong fight. As you can imagine, there are consequences to that choice. Not only do we damage the people whom God loves, we also get sidetracked from the battle he wants us to wage in the spiritual realm.
Your focus on Jesus, your prayers for the Church, and your obedience to Christ are a powerful force. People are, at best, a physical expression of a spiritual reality. If you are experiencing tension in our relationships, take a step back. Ask God to give you his perspective on your circumstances, and trust what he shows you.
We are living in a cultural moment when people are angry, frustrated, and warring against each other. If we are getting caught up in the battles of this world, we have missed the point. We need to set our sights back on our Savior and lean in to the spiritual reality around us. While our every need is precious to our Heavenly Father, even our prayers will become self-centered and self-glorifying if we do not allow Jesus to show us his battle plans.
What battles are you fighting today? Where are spending your strength? Where are you spinning your wheels? Take time let the Lord refocus your attention right now. Ask him for his priorities, ask him to give you eyes to see the spiritual reality of your situation.
Don’t fight the people around you. Let your knees hit the floor. Humble yourself beneath the mighty hand of your good God. Seek him in prayer. That simple act of faith states that you trust in his power and you believe that he will work.
Jesus has already won the victory of the only battle that matters, my friend. I don’t know about you, but I want to pick the battle that is already won.