The bible warns, "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). This war that we are fighting today has nothing to do with the people you call enemies. It has nothing to do with those who fall in the category of your haters. Neither is it against that bully at school or teacher that doesn't like you. I'd like to impress upon you that this war is bigger than you.
Every one of you reading this post has a dream. For some it is becoming a doctor, lawyer, or professor. Others may be putting their energy into sports and being a professional athlete. Some may have gifts that lean more towards engineering, music, or trades. In all those careers there will be challenges, set backs, obstacles, and road blocks. That part is promised. So if those things are promised, then how do I attain my goal? I'm glad you asked! You've already attained it. Its already yours. I'll prove it.
In Jeremiah 1:4 God says, "I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah felt he was too young, Moses had a speech problem, Abraham failed test after test, Joseph didn't fit the look, David was a shepherd boy, Elisha was plowing in sheep dung, Peter was a fighter who denied knowing Jesus, Paul was a Christian killer, all were set apart and appointed for a purpose. Therefore, whatever God has purposed in your heart for you to accomplish, it will happen. If that is true, then what is this war about? I'm glad you asked.
This war that John Mayer sings about is for your future, your dream, your legacy. It’s not about you, but rather what you will become, and even more so the legacy that you will leave behind. Imagine being the first in your family to get a doctorate degree or start a family practice that will provide a well paying job for every child that is born unto you. Think about the impact your life will have on the next generation after you have saved and set aside money for your children's education. Allow your mind to wonder of the children who will grow up understanding that they don't have to settle for imitation love because they have seen authentic agape love from their parents. Lastly, think of that child, three generations behind you that will have a dream and know he or she can accomplish it, all because of the foundation set by you. "We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us." That is what is at stake in this war. So how do I win? So glad you asked.
John Mayer begins this song calling out those things that influence him; those things that are his real enemies. Listen to what he says:
Come out angels
Come out ghosts
Come out darkness
Bring everyone you know
He recognized that it is war time, and furthermore he left no stone unturned. Every area of your life that has influence over your decision making, over your actions, over your thought process, all have to be present when its war time. Many times there are certain areas of our life that we know are holding us back, but because of fear or a feeling, we are reluctant to call it out. In order to win this war we must first be transparent. Like John Mayer, we must come to a point in our life where we want to win at any cost. No one area of my life is more important than my life. So in order to win we must first be transparent and call out every major influence.
Secondly, we must stop running and get prepared. John sings:
I'm not running
And I'm not scared
I am waiting and well prepared.
The only war we lose is the one we don't fight. No one ever throws a punch while running away from the opponent. I know there are things that have happened to us that have caused us to retreat. People have hurt us, lied on us, misused and abused us. We've been overlooked for positions, walked on while we watch others get to the top. Loved ones and people who were supposed to care have walked out on us without reason. And we have been alone, crushed, having to pick up all the pieces that are left. We have spent long nights crying, weeping for understanding. Asking why don't they love me, and why would they hurt me, and why don't they care? Does anyone even notice that I'm screaming for help? I know the feeling. And I know you feel as though you don't have the energy to fight. But if you would stop and confront it head on, call those things out, and give it to God, something great is bound to happen. The Word says, "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken" (Psalm 55:22). Give it to God, this is your preparation for war.
Lastly, God says, when you have prepared for war this is your reward: "They that sew in tears will reap in Joy" (Psalm 126:5). "Weeping MAY endure for the night, but joy COMES in the morning" (Psalm 30:5). What is joy to you? Is joy when you've reached financial independence? Is joy having the material things you want? Or is joy having all of your needs met? For me, joy is knowing that what was meant to kill me, made me stronger. Joy is having my destiny sustained by God. Knowing that there is nothing that can come between the love God has for me. Think for a second back to your dream and all that you want to accomplish. What will your testimony say when the morning comes? This is what John Mayer said:
I got a pocket
Got no pills
In essence, John declared that in this war of his life, if fear hasn't killed him yet, then nothing will! This truth is the very thing that the enemy wants to keep you from getting. The enemy knows that if you ever set your mind to believe this, then you are free from every attack he has for you. The bible says, "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free!" Knowing this gives you the power and authority to declare that "no weapon formed against you shall prosper." It gives you the audacity to declare that "all things are possible to them that believe." And it allows you to fight boldly declaring "I am more than a conqueror through Him that loves me."
So in this "War of Your LIfe" stop running, get prepared, and receive Joy!!!
