Read:
1 Timothy 6:12 “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
Think:
The concept of a "good fight" appears novel, as we're often admonished for engaging in conflicts during our schooling years. However, this particular fight is deemed virtuous due to its adversary: evil itself, embodied by unbelief, the sinister forces of Satan, and the resultant transgressions. The fight earns its virtue also because it's not fought solely with our strength; when a child of God wages the battle of faith, it is God who empowers and instills the resolve to conquer that which opposes them. The struggle to maintain faith isn't ours alone; God is both our champion and our strength. God fights for us and in us. Therefore, the fight of faith is a good fight.
In recent cinematic adaptations of Tolkien's timeless The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the hero, Frodo, during a moment of despondency, confides to his friend, Sam, "I can't do this." Sam responds with an inspiring declaration: "It's like in the great stories... Full of darkness and danger they were... People in those stories had lots of chances to turn back, only they didn't. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something." This prompts Frodo to ask, "What are we holding on to, Sam?" For Christians, the answer is clear: we're clinging to eternal life—the gift of salvation that provides sustenance through battles, hardships, and suffering.
Apply:
Hold on to hope. Jesus wins! Walk with confidence today as you speak about your faith journey to others.
Pray:
Heavenly Father, thank you for providing me with eternal life through your Son. I know the victory has been won and I am already a conqueror. Help me to live from this victorious position and walk in courage. In Jesus' name. Amen.