“But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” (Isaiah 52:12 NIV)

In all physical battles you must face the enemy head on if you expect to win! It's that way in spiritual battles, too. God’s Word instructs us to put on His spiritual armor so that “you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Eph. 6:10-11 NIV)

What about your back?

God’s got that covered, too! He is your rear guard! (Isa. 52:12)

It's a battle of faith! 

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Tim. 6:12 NIV)

"Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.” (Psalm 25:4-5 NASB)

Looking ahead by faith

In the Old Testament many cried out to God asking for salvation and for His personal leading. They we're looking ahead by faith and longing for things to come.

“I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn't see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn't hear it.” (Matt. 13:17 NLT)

“Teach me, and I will be silent; And show me how I have erred.” (Job 6:24 NASB)

We have what they longed because of Jesus!

What they in the Old Testament were longing for, we have in reality because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross to make it so! We are fortunate to have a personal and intimate relationship with God!

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” (John 16:13 NASB)

“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.” (Gal. 5:18 NASB)

“So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19 NASB)

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph. 2:10 NIV)

The "Smart" Test

As a child I had trouble pronouncing certain words, so it was arranged for me to see a speech therapist once a week. One day he said we were going to play an observation game. He handed me puzzles and pictures. First was a line drawing of four umbrellas. He asked me to tell him which one was different. I told him they all looked the same. He wrote down each of my answers. At the end of the test he asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up. I said, "a veterinarian". I had already decided because I loved animals and had lots of pets. He said, "It will never be possible because you have something called 'a low I-Q', you just aren't smart enough. Maybe you could become a veterinarian's assistant."

I felt sad and stupid

After that, I began doubting what I was able to do. I stopped dreaming of being a veterinarian. I thought of some things as being beyond my ability. The odd thing was, I could always do what I was interested in. I got low grades in subjects I didn't like and A’s in subjects I loved. I found it easy to “see-the-next-step” in jobs; and after I became a Christian I got A’s in Bible College.

I eventually took another I-Q test and discovered that I do not have a low I-Q. At the time I took the first test, I was slow developmentally. I had been born three months early, weighed a pound and a half and it took me many years to catch up with others my age. I also discovered as an adult that I have dyslexia and need to adjust for it. The biggest help and encouragement have come from learning and applying God’s Word.

Thoroughly equipped! 

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16-17 NIV)

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12 NIV)

“We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph. 2:10 NIV)

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Phil 4:13 KJV)

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:11-13 NKJV)

Enjoy what you have!

“Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don't have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless--like chasing the wind.” (Ecl. 6:9 NLT)

It’s not money itself, but it's the “love” of money that causes problems

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (2 Tim. 6:10 NIV)

“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.” (Ecl. 5:10 ESV)

Seek God first and He will take care all your needs!

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33 NKJV)

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.” (Prov. 3:27 NIV)

God’s perfect provision

Many years ago, when I was in full time youth ministry, I depended on donations to support my work. My ministry had many great supporters and a very good prayer team was in place. I would call them to pray for the kids I was working with and for other things that would come up. Sometimes the need was financial. One month we had a $2,500 shortfall, and bills that weren't going to be paid if the money didn't come in. I decided to call my prayer team about it. The first call I made was to Margaret, a faithful prayer warrior who was always quick to pray about anything I called her about. I told her of the shortfall and asked her to pray that God would supply it. She said she was happy that I had called and that she would ask God to supply for the need as I had requested. About twenty minutes later, she walked into my office and handed me a check for $2,500! I was shocked, and said, “Margaret, when I called and asked you to pray, I was not hinting that you were to give it! I was only asking you to pray that God would supply it!” She laughed and said, “Yes Mike, I know that, but when you called, my husband and I prayed together about your need and God told us to write the check for that amount ourselves. We had the money and feel very blessed to be able to give it. In fact, we had been asking God for wisdom on how we should give money that we had set aside to give. Then, you called about your need. The timing was perfect! We even thought of the verse, Proverbs 3:27, that said, ‘Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act’, And, it was definitely in our power to act. We wrote the check, and we are very happy that God has blessed us so much that we could share in your ministry.”

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:19 NIV)

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Prov. 18:24 NIV)

Choose your friends wisely because they will influence you!

“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.” (Prov. 22:24-25 NIV)

“He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harms.” (Prov. 13:20 NIV)

This kind of friend is the greatest!

“Greater Love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13 NIV)

“No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” (John 10:18 NLT)

You are a friend of God!

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15 NIV)

“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39 NKJV)

As a brand new Christian I didn't know anything about theology or the Bible. All I knew was my personal story of redemption. Jesus had come into my life and changed me as no one else could. And, I knew He was the answer for anyone and everyone. I enthusiastically shared my story to everyone I came in contact with.

The woman with a baby in a backpack, hitchhiking in a blizzard

One of my favorite places to speak is the local lighthouse mission. I was scheduled to speak there one evening, but was tempted to cancel because we were experiencing severe blizzard conditions. The snow was blowing sideways, the cold wind was piercing to the bone and the roads were extremely hazardous. But, I knew the mission would be jam-packed and I shouldn't pass up the great opportunity. So, I got into my pickup and headed on the way. I could barely see the road ahead of me because of the almost whiteout conditions. Suddenly I spotted a woman hitchhiker alongside the road! She had a backpack with a baby in it. I quickly pulled over and said, “Get in lady!” I couldn't believe a woman would be out in this storm! Especially with a baby! I said, “What are you doing out in this weather?” And she answered, “I'm tough!”  I looked at her, and decided that she was. Then, as we drove along, I began to share my story of Jesus with her. But, she abruptly said, “Don’t preach to me! I don't want to hear that stuff!” But, I said, “It’s my truck, and I can talk about anything I want to while I'm in it. And, right now, I will talk about Jesus and how He wonderfully changed my life.” She folded her arms, sat back, and stared straight ahead. I then told her how Jesus had changed my life. When we got to the turn off to the Mission I asked her where she was going, so that I could take her there. She said, “Seattle.” I said, “Seattle! That's a hundred miles from here! And, I have to be somewhere, and I can't take you that far. But, I also cannot let you out in this storm!” She said, “What are you going to do!” And she looked like she was ready to fight. I said, “Relax lady. I'm not going to do anything wrong. I just want to help you, that's all. I cannot take you to Seattle, but I don't want to leave you and your baby out in this weather. Would you allow me to buy you a bus ticket to Seattle?” Her mouth dropped and she said, “Why would you do a thing like that?” And I said, “Listen lady, haven't you been listening to my story? Jesus has changed my life and I live to please him and do what He tells me to do. And right now, He told me to buy you a bus ticket. Would that be okay with you?” And she said, “It’s your money.” So, I drove her to the Greyhound station, and the bus to Seattle was about to leave. I ran over and asked the driver to wait for another couple of passengers. I quickly paid for the ticket and then walked with the woman to the bus. As she got onto the bus she turned and said, “That’s the most Christian thing anyone has ever done for me!”  She then disappeared onto the bus and it left for Seattle.

The letter

I received the following letter several years later

Dear Brother  French,

Approximately 9 years ago, you witnessed to me concerning Jesus. I was hitchhiking and it was a snowy November or December. I had a baby in a backpack. You gave me a ride in your pickup truck all the way to Bellingham and told me the story of your conversion. When I said I was going to hitchhike to Seattle, you wouldn't allow it and you bought me a bus ticket. I was touched by your generosity and joy, but I'm sure I never showed it. In the February following, I accepted Jesus as my Savior and have been walking with Him ever since. God is so faithful to His Word! Hallelujah! In chatting with a friend at church, I told her this story (she's from Bellingham) and she knew who you were by your testimony. She said this address is old but perhaps my letter would reach you. I wanted you to know that the gospel seed you planted did take root and grow and bring fourth. God bless you and thank you so much for sharing with me that day. In Christ, Linda.

“He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" (John 9:25 NIV)

The above passage is from a blind man that Jesus had healed. The religious leaders tried to trap him with a religious question about whether Jesus was a sinner or not. His answer was short and to the point. He said, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” They could not argue with his personal story and it abruptly ended their interrogation.

Your own story can be powerful

People can argue with you about religion, the church, theology, even about the existence of God. But, your personal stories of God’s presence in your life are yours alone, and are inarguable.

Don't debate, just tell your story simply!

Think about all that God has done for you. How you received Jesus. What He has done in your life. The answered prayers. The blessings He has sent your way. Those are stories you can use in many positive ways. When someone says something negative about God, don't argue with them, instead say, “I don't know about that, but this I do know (insert your personal story here). You may be pleasantly surprised how God can use you this way!

Do it with gentleness and respect

“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15 ESV)

Tomorrow, I will tell you what happened when I told my story to a hitchhiking woman with a little baby in her backpack, during a blizzard.  

"But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.  And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 19:42-45 NKJV)

Serving others doesn't come naturally!

Human nature at its very core is to be self-centered. Just think about that statement for a moment! We don't like to think of ourselves as selfish, but we are! From the moment we awake each day, our lives are basically about taking care of ourselves, our bodies and our needs and appetites. In order to serve someone else you have to first deny yourself, then put other’s needs above your own. And, that's not easy to do! Children have to be taught to share, they usually don't want to. Even as adults, it's easy to be selfish and think only of yourself rather than others. Married couples often struggle with this and have to learn to serve each other’s needs. Learning to put others ahead of yourself, although difficult, brings much personal joy and satisfaction. And, it's very good for others, too!

Jesus set the example of servanthood

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 19:45 NKJV)