No Time to Rest: Arise in the Battle

The Call to Stand Firm in Spiritual Warfare

Beloved friend,

Let’s get real. We’ve all been there—those moments where you just want to throw in the towel, crawl under the covers, and say, “Enough already!” Maybe it’s the relentless stress at work, the never-ending health challenges, or the constant battles on every front. And trust me, I hear you loud and clear when you’re thinking, “Patience, this sickness is no joke. Is the opposition at my workplace a joke to you? Is my pain really that trivial?”

But here’s the thing: this battle we’re fighting isn’t just about finding comfort in this world. No, it’s much bigger than that. We’re talking about fulfilling the mandate, the purpose, that God has called you to. The devil isn’t out here playing nice—his tactics, those little things that seem to pop up just when you’re getting your groove back, are designed to throw you off balance. To distract you. To make you lose sight of the real thing.

Now, I know it might feel like you’ve had your fair share of struggles, and trust me, I’m not here to start some sort of competition over who has suffered more (because who needs that, right?). But let’s take a step back for a moment. If the Lord opened your eyes to the battles He’s equipping you to fight—the greater picture—you’d see that the struggles you’re facing now are just a part of a much larger story. A story where the current sufferings don’t even come close to comparing with the glory that’s coming. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

Friend, the enemy of our souls isn’t someone you can plead with or pity into submission. He doesn’t back off because we’ve had a rough day (or week, or month, or year). A good warrior doesn’t fight and then give up halfway through because they’re exhausted. No, the battle is won by those who persist, who stand firm, who decree and declare their victory as the sons and daughters of God that they are.

So here’s the deal: you can’t give up now. God’s hand isn’t too short to deliver you. He’s waiting for you to rise up, to take your place, and to speak with the authority He’s already given you. There’s no room for a pity party, and no room for asking, “Why me?” Instead, it’s time to ask, “How will I rise up?”

The devil knows his time is limited, and he’s not joking about using every minute he’s got. And neither should we. This isn’t the time to rest in our jobs, our families, or our distractions. This is the time to be vigilant, prayerful, and unwavering.

Beloved, I’m praying for you. You’ve got this. God has equipped you with everything you need to stand and to fight. You are more than a conqueror. And hey, if I cross your mind, I’d appreciate your prayers too.

Let’s press on, together, not resting until the victory is fully realized.

With thoughts of kindness,

ABBA’s Shofar