The Battle Rages On

34 "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn
" 'a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
36 your enemies will be the members of your own household.'
37 "Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves a son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

Matthew 10:34-39



Jesus has risen! New life can now be found in Him that is fulfilling and full of love and grace but is that the end of the story? Is life now lived happily ever after like some sort of religious utopia where there is only peace and love and joy? Of course not! We still live in a fallen world and the evil one is still fighting for control of your soul and mind; your enemy will continue to try to distract you from living out your purpose for God up until that day when all things will be new and when the brokenness of this world will be healed, once and for all. The battle rages on and that battle most likely will take place with the people who are closest to you in your life. Do not be discouraged when your loved ones do not respond in a positive way to your new found faith in Christ. Don’t be discouraged when there are arguments in your family concerning religious traditions and religious preferences as Jesus has come to break these walls that cause us all at times to take our eyes off of the one thing that really matters – Jesus Christ and our relationship with Him. Take up your cross today; show forgiveness and grace and patience to your loved ones as you draw on the power of the One who lives inside of your heart of hearts. The key to winning the battle is surrender and sacrifice as you journey today to know and love Him more.