Drawing The Line

by Kelly Dixon

Reading: Joshua 10:1-15; 2 Timothy 4:7

I heard this statement made once, "There are some sins in our lives that keep rearing their ugly heads." I know that has been true in my own life. Over the last year, I have been struggling with a battle against a particular sin in my life that keeps rearing it's ugly head. I would take it to the Lord in prayer and ask for help and things would be fine for a while. Then before I knew it - WHAM - there it was again!! So back to the throne of God I would go asking for forgiveness and for strength to overcome. Several months ago, the enemy planted a thought in my mind that just drew me closer to the Lord. Satan stated, "Why do you keep taking that to God when you know you are going to do it again?" I think the enemy forgot about the stubborn streak I have - and this time it was for the better. I went that day to the Lord in prayer and said, "Lord, I don't know what to do with this sin, but You do, help me to take it by force and draw the line." It was like a warrior squaring off for battle drawing a line in the sand and saying to the enemy, "Alright, I'm ready to take you and this sin by force - God's force!" And that is what has happened. I would love to tell you that the sin has not shown it's head again. But that would not be reality. Reality is that after that "drawing of the line" the enemy has made it hard - very hard! But words can't describe the unbelievable strength I have pulled from the Father to overcome.

In Joshua chapter 10, it tells us of the battle where Joshua led Israel in defeating the southern kings. Before the battle began, the Lord told Joshua not to be afraid that He would give him victory. As we read on we see that the Lord supernaturally fought the fight for them. In verse 11, it tells us that a hailstorm killed more of the enemy than the Israelites killed with the sword. And in regards to the sword, the Lord told the sun and moon to stand still and it did until the Israelites had defeated their enemies. WOW! Can you imagine it? I hope you can because this is the God that is on your side ready to help you fight against the enemy! Not only by giving you physical strength to do so, but supernatural strength as well.

Is there a particular sin (or sins) in your life that keeps rearing its ugly head? Are you ready to draw the line and take the enemy by force - God's force? Satan will not go down quietly. He will stir up a struggle in your life. Often we must push through spiritual opposition, but in doing so we must remember that all Scriptural promises are ours to claim. God will fight the fight for us. We just have to be willing to draw the line and join the battle by pulling from His strength. Today, purpose to persevere, strive, press on, fight, believe, and lay hold of your place in Christ. Press forward to be able to say as Paul did in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Keep taking your sin to the throne of God. It is there and only there that you will be able to overcome.

Prayer: Lord, I want You to rule in my life, not sin. Help me to draw the line and pull my strength from You to fight this battle with the enemy. I want to press on today with determination to bring You glory by overcoming. Through Christ, Amen.