The Bible tells us in 1 Timothy 6:12 to fight the good fight of faith. What makes it a good fight? It’s good because we, as Christians, have the victory through our identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. Yet, we have to maintain that victory by holding fast to God’s Word, for He is faithful that promised (Hebrews 10:23).
A number of years ago while going through a great battle I asked God for a scripture that would help me fight this good fight of faith. Immediately, I heard these words on the inside of me: “Romans 12:12”. When you enter into any spiritual battle Romans 12:12 is a good place to start. It says this: Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer (KJV). These three simple steps, yet so profound, will help you stand during times of testing.
1. Rejoicing in hope. When you’re going through a trial the last thing you feel like doing is rejoicing. Even so, God has told us to do just that. Why? Because He already sees us as being victorious. When Jehosaphat marched the children of Israel out to meet the enemy he was told by God to put the praise and worshipers out in front, for the battle did not belong to him, but to the Lord (2 Chron. 20:15-20). When we are facing the enemy during a time of trial and testing we can enter into praise and rejoicing because the battle is not ours alone. It belongs to the Lord.
2. Patient in Tribulation. Why does it take so long to have our prayers answered? The reason is simple. God is not on any time schedule. Our prayers are heard the moment we pray in line with His Word. He is working behind the scenes to bring about the answer at the right time. All God ask of us is to trust Him by not casting away our confidence, for we have a great reward (Heb.10:35). Total trust produces patience.
3. Continuing instant in prayer. I like that word “instant”. It tells me to stay in constant touch with my Father. Throughout the day we should be in prayer and with praise. Before we consider any evil report or give place to any bad circumstances, we should instantly talk to God or consider what His Word says about our situation.
By practicing Romans 12:12 on a daily bases, we can “meet the enemy at the gate” and live a life of victory through Jesus Christ.
A number of years ago while going through a great battle I asked God for a scripture that would help me fight this good fight of faith. Immediately, I heard these words on the inside of me: “Romans 12:12”. When you enter into any spiritual battle Romans 12:12 is a good place to start. It says this: Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer (KJV). These three simple steps, yet so profound, will help you stand during times of testing.
1. Rejoicing in hope. When you’re going through a trial the last thing you feel like doing is rejoicing. Even so, God has told us to do just that. Why? Because He already sees us as being victorious. When Jehosaphat marched the children of Israel out to meet the enemy he was told by God to put the praise and worshipers out in front, for the battle did not belong to him, but to the Lord (2 Chron. 20:15-20). When we are facing the enemy during a time of trial and testing we can enter into praise and rejoicing because the battle is not ours alone. It belongs to the Lord.
2. Patient in Tribulation. Why does it take so long to have our prayers answered? The reason is simple. God is not on any time schedule. Our prayers are heard the moment we pray in line with His Word. He is working behind the scenes to bring about the answer at the right time. All God ask of us is to trust Him by not casting away our confidence, for we have a great reward (Heb.10:35). Total trust produces patience.
3. Continuing instant in prayer. I like that word “instant”. It tells me to stay in constant touch with my Father. Throughout the day we should be in prayer and with praise. Before we consider any evil report or give place to any bad circumstances, we should instantly talk to God or consider what His Word says about our situation.
By practicing Romans 12:12 on a daily bases, we can “meet the enemy at the gate” and live a life of victory through Jesus Christ.
Fighting the Good Fight of Faith with Romans 12:12
