Why have many of us bought the lie that life is supposed to be easy?

Maybe it’s tempting to believe all the shiny, happy people in the TV commercials. But no. Life is a…

Battle.

In this country, 1 in 4 are “very stressed” at work. 1 in 8 families struggle to put food on the table. 15-25% of people under 19 experience mental health issues or illness. That’s the tip of the iceberg. You know your battles best. So here’s one of the ways you can fight back:

Protect your soldiers.

In Fight Back With Joy, Margaret Feinberg talks about the massive, refreshing importance of other people during her own battle with cancer. Wanting us to benefit from her own learning, she writes: “The Great Joy Giver is parachuting people into your life to remind you that you are not alone.”

I’m guessing that God has placed people in your life who are there by design. A part of their purpose is to help you through the battle. They have been parachuted in to the battlefield of your life to lift you, to refresh you, to encourage you, and to give you joy.

THEY are your soldiers.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Paul tells his readers to “build each other up…” So when you think of your own soldiers, protect them: Pray for them; reciprocate an act of kindness; encourage them back; build them up.

Yes, life is a battle. It’s worth it, it’s mind-blowing, and through it we come to know the unequaled power of God’s eternity. But it’s still a battle.

And one of the best ways to win a battle, is for the soldiers to know they’re making a difference.

Protect your soldiers.

By Matthew Ruttan

–I’m on vacation until August 26. So today’s devotional is previously published from the book: “Up! – 313 Devotionals To Help You Start Your Day in a Biblical, Relevant Way.” Go to www.TheUpDevo.com/UpBook to learn more.

#life #dailydevotional #faith #inspiration #cancer #friends #relationships