True North: Going Through Hell for HeavenSample

Welcome back and to Day 2. I know yesterday’s reading was tough. You have stepped into awareness that there is more to the Christian walk than just professing Christ. The Christian life is one of action, devotion, struggle, trial, suffering, love, peace, mercy, loss, and PROMISE.

So what is the biggest fear we face when we think of being in battle? LOSS. Loss of life is paramount. Second is the fear of injury that disables us for the rest of our lives. This is exactly why this side of the Christian walk isn’t often discussed in church, conferences, rallies, or religious events. Who would want to sign up for war? You see, even now as the curtain is being drawn back and you are starting to see things differently, you have already been placed on the enemy’s radar. Don’t be surprised if you start to have struggled this week with circumstances as simple or difficult as a flat tire, the car won’t start, arguments with your spouse, fatigue, sickness, trouble at work, distancing from friends, offense—the battle has started. Your enemy will try to distract you and overwhelm you. The goal of your enemy is to prevent you from even getting out of Basic Training. He will try to get you to tap out before you even start the equipping process.

Let me encourage you with some valuable insight to navigate the road ahead.

1. If you don’t read Scripture daily, START. Consider reading Ephesians 1-6 for the next 30 days. Invite the Holy Spirit to give you revelation into what you read. You need to become grounded in Christ and His power in you to become the warrior that you are. You are an heir to the Kingdom of God. Put on the FULL ARMOR OF GOD.
2. Pray. Let your heart be open to God through your words. You don’t need to have a certain prayer. Just talk with your Father and invite the Holy Spirit to carry your heart and questions to your Father’s ear. And it is vital that you listen for His response.
3. Be intentional about being in church regularly. You need to be around other believers and allow worship to build you up as you pursue your personal relationship with God who desperately wants a personal relationship with you.
4. If you are not in a small group, FIND ONE. You need a regular time with a small group of believers to dive in and let your roots go deep. Invite the Holy Spirit into this process.
5. If you are a man, you need to be in a men’s group. Jesus was the one man who could have done it by Himself. HE DIDN’T. He surrounded Himself with men for the journey. Follow His example. You need men to sharpen you and for you to sharpen.
6. Consider completing the 30-Days To LIVE FREE YouVersion reading plan.